Thinking About Our Futures
The Hoover Counseling Department
Most middle school students do not really know what they want to do when they 'grow up,' but they do
have ideas about what they like and do not like. As middle school counselors, it is our job to help
students explore career possibilities and help them identify appropriate graduation pathways.
6th Grade Advisory Lesson
In the 6th grade Life Choices and Goal Setting Lesson, students learned how decisions they make now will
impact future opportunities. Through group discussion and real-life scenarios, they learned how forming
solid study habits, putting forth their best effort, building positive relationships, the way in which they
use social networking sites, how they spend time outside of school, and their involvement in the
community can all impact their entrance into college or a career of their choice and ultimately lead to
job and life satisfaction. They also learned about how various careers offer varying levels of financial
stability, amount of leisure time for hobbies and community service, and determine their housing and
transportation needs. Students will now have background to begin the goal-setting process for short
term and long-term achievements.
Student feedback:

“We learned how to manage our money and where it would be best spent.”
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“It is important to choose a college that offers a good program for what you want to study.
College is very expensive so I want to be sure I choose the right one for me!”
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“I’m going to start looking online at what it takes to get into different colleges. This way I can
start setting some goals.”
7th Grade Advisory lesson
In the 7th grade College Knowledge/Career Lesson, through self- reflections, assessments and job
searches, students became acquainted with the various career pathways, careers, and other postsecondary options. Students engaged in critical thinking as they delved into such topics as college
consideration and job searches. Students understood the importance of matching career options to
their personal preferences and how those preferences may change over time due to maturity and
experiences. Students completed an interest inventory and explored careers that match their interests.
Guiding students to make choices that prepare them for high school and beyond is critical. It is
important for middle school students to be prepared for the changes ahead, as well as understanding
that the schooling they receive during these critical years is laying the foundation for their futures.
7th grade Student feedback:

“Something I learned is that successful people begin by setting goals and then mapping out a
plan to reach that goal.”

“I enjoyed taking the online interest survey and was pretty impressed with the results. Careers
listed for ‘best fits’ for me were: news anchor, producer and public relations and I am interested
in doing all three!”

“It is good to look at the job outlook over the next ten years and seeing what college degree is
needed for different careers.”
8th Grade Career Day
On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, Hoover Middle School welcomed 21 visitors representing a wide
array of career fields. Each of our students had the opportunity to attend 4 career presentations
of their choice. Students not only learned about the careers that our visitors represented, they
also learned about the interests, education, activities etc. that lead each one of our visitors to
his/her chosen field. Our presenters shared information on their specific career area as well as
other related fields. Many students took away great insights into the future.
8th grade Student feedback

“Since there are many professions that have more than one option, you should do some deep research
before considering working towards your goal of being in that career.”
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“Don't be afraid to pursue what you like, and start new things-take risks.”

“Every job takes a lot of effort and school is a huge part of any job. Therefore, it should be taken seriously.

“A career in science is more than just working in a lab. You can do many things to help the people around
you.”
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“I got to learn a lot about different career choices that I can pursue which is really cool.”
“I learned that you don't need to know what you want to do, even when you graduate high school.”