Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a policitian, an engineer, a news anchor, a police officer or a teacher?

On Thursday, Dec 6, 134 students from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School got to find out when they shadowed professionals at 42 area businesses as part of the school's 20th annual "Career Partnership Day." The school hosts the event in collaboration with the B-CC Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement.

The day began with a breakfast program, at which featured speaker Shirley Brandman, the president of the Montgomery County Board of Education, encouraged students to fully engage and "use all of their senses" to help them get a feel for the business. Students were inspired by her words and spent the day asking questions, actively listening and observing their surroundings.

Upon returning to school, the students were exuberant. Eleonara Olivieri, who visited Clark Construction, was thrilled that she got to visit a construction site, but was especially grateful that they "made me feel important." Rajesh Cecchini started his day at the Hyatt thinking he wanted to be a chef and left thinking that he might want to consider becoming a concierge. While at Lerch, Early and Brewer, Kobi Marshall commented that before today, she "had no idea how many different opportunities there were in the field of law." Ruth Orevba visited Americans for the Arts and may seek a summer internship there.

We are grateful to the many businesses who partnered with us for this event—it was informative for all and life changing for many.