THORNDIKE — On a recent sunny day in at Mount View School, 350 middle and high school students learned about potential careers and what sparks individual interests. More than 30 professionals, as diverse as artists and engineers to public safety and education officials, converged on the school May 1 to talk with the students about their chosen fields. During eight 25-minute sessions throughout the day, they provided a snapshot of their fields, followed by a special middle school presentation by Randy Judkins with his "Full Esteem Ahead,” in the Clifford Performing Arts Center.

Madison Vigeant, a sixth grade student and JMG Project Reach participant, attended talks presented by a state biologist, engineer, photographer and an alpaca owner. While still a few years away from graduation, Vigeant was interested in wildlife conservation and electrical engineering. She was surprised by what she learned from the biologist and said she will be looking at classes she may add in order to pursue her interest. She also said she learned she wasn’t interested in construction engineering. Sometimes, learning what doesn’t interest us is just as important as what does.

Two nurses from Waldo County General Hospital spoke about specialties within the nursing field, such as the operating and emergencies rooms, as well as patient care through telemedicine, and that nurses are needed in expected and unexpected locations, in hospitals and schools, on cruise ships and helicopters. One presenter, Erin Bellaire, is an alumna of Mount View and works in a hospital. She told the group she wanted to be a nurse from a young age, when she was inspired by the nurses helping a friend’s father during an illness.

Writer John Ford talked to the students about the importance of keeping a diary at the beginning of one’s career to record all the stories that may one day be turned into one book or more. Ford’s second book is about to be published.

When asked about why he participated in the event, Ford said, “It’s important that kids know about their own backyard.”

He wants to help promote students’ ability to do something and to think about that ‘something.’ His message: “follow your dream and don’t get discouraged.”

Superintendent Heather Perry asked her group if the students knew how large the school district is and they were taken by surprise at the answer: 544 square miles. Geographically, it’s the third largest district in Maine.

Maine Forest Ranger Chris Blackie provided a glimpse into the service’s helicopter and gave a quick science lesson about what makes it fly, and what it takes to control a five-ton machine hovering a few feet above a lake to pick up water to fight a fire.

Several other Mount View graduates talked with the students, including veterinarian Yvette LaHaye, military professional Joel Thomas, photographer and school board member Najean Shedyak, registered Maine Guide Steven Cole, state trooper Beth Robinson, firefighter Ron Stevenson, computer professional Josh Van Deventer, cosmetologist Kerri Parker, Cosmetology and military professional Michael McGuire.

This is the first year that sixth grade students participated in this biennial event coordinated by district Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Kupferman, Mark Bennett, computer technology teacher; Shari Jordan, guidance counselor; and Brenda Cole, educational technician.

The planning team said it greatly appreciated the time and enthusiasm of the presenters and other volunteers who made the day a reality.