From Aspiration To Action

Written by Breanna Cobb, Kearney High School Junior
Initially published in “P.O.V. Publish Our Voices,” a student-run magazine showcasing the perspectives of young writers.

Real World Learning is a way to prepare yourself for a real job. To find out what your interests are and what they are not. You don’t have to do an internship or a client-connect project to get Real World Learning experience. Real World Learning could be anything: Getting your first job, college classes, client connect projects, internships, etc. Extra-curricular activities could also be considered as real-world experiences.

When talking to Willow Wooldridge from Staley High School, she points out the importance she feels about her volunteer work. She gets real-world experience from volunteering and experiences she couldn’t get anywhere else.

With the elementary school volunteering, being able to take charge in a classroom, being able to be a leader for those kids, and being someone they can look to as they need help. And being able to be a leader and be able to be in charge, is something that I think is really important. I think being a good leader is really that important.

Willow Woodridge, Staley High School Student

Elise Nguyen, also a Staley High School Student, ties professionalism with confidence.

This might sound kind of weird, but having good posture or not fidgeting or anything like that is just more professional if you do that and people are gonna take you more seriously. But that’s also something I need to work on as well.

Elise Nguyen, Staley High School Student

Jaelyn Woodley is a senior at Park Hill South High School.

“My experience with Real World Learning has been truly amazing. I currently have an internship at a law firm with my school. Here, I learned how to be professional, solve problems, and learn what the law field is like. I work very hard, and they ended up hiring me as a Legal Assistant,” Woodley said.

Woodley said that she feels honored to have the opportunity to do such a thing, and she’s happy to be able to advocate for these types of opportunities.

As a leader, it has shown me how to speak up and ask questions. I used to hate asking for help, but I realized I could get more done with my community if I spoke up. I’ve learned how to be a follower, which is very important to know. I see how it feels to be taking orders from others and how I should change my leadership style and mindset,” Woodley said.

In conclusion, Real World Learning has many perks and helps with leadership roles. It prepares you for the real world and lets you see what it’s like to have a role with responsibility. It can help you with how you should present yourself when in a position of any form of leadership.