Inspiring Students To Be the Difference

Gallery: 2024 Career Day

Inspiring Students - Construction Executive of Ajax Jay Smith shares his experience in the construction business. He shares that his largest project is the student union at the University of Florida. “There’s not one day that’s exactly the same,” Smith said.

Dreams Matter - In the marketing business, Blake Rowling shares his experience moving to Tallahassee from Dothan, Ala. He shares that he didn’t know what he wanted to do until later in his life. “I was checking the boxes on those dreams,” Rowling said. He shares his many experiences with work including managing a band, working for an IT company and writing a book. He tells students that high school is an experience they’ll never forget.

Work Hard - Kate Chase, owner and managing partner of local restaurant Lemon and Thyme, shares that dreams can always change. She encourages students to follow their dreams and not settle for an unwanted job. “Your first job out of college is not always your dream job,” Chase said.

Don’t Settle - Nurse practitioner Jennifer Slocum shares her experience with nursing. She tells students that she wanted to make independent decisions, so instead of being a nurse under physicians orders, she became a nurse practitioner. 

Work Your Way up - Randy Burdette is involved in the athletics industry. He shares his journey of getting to where he is now at Florida State University.

Start Small - LaSheriny and Matthew Word share their experience in the real estate business together. “Start off with something small and work your way up,” M. Word said. He explains that it won’t work out if you take on something too large right away.

Photos by Blair Bayliss/Maclay Andalusian