Sometimes Surprising Students’ views about Careers
The column below originally was published in several APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers during January 2025. This includes the SunThisWeek, County News Review, Faribault Daily News, MilleLacs Messenger, Morrison County Record, SunCurrent, Press & News, Sun Post and Sun Sailor
Sometimes surprising students’ views about careers
Something unusual has just been posted on the internet. For the last eight months, students at Higher Ground Academy, a Minnesota charter public school, have been interviewing people in various careers. Lots of schools make similar arrangements. What’s unusual is that the students’ impressions and reflections about these careers are now available on the school’s website. This makes it possible for others to learn from the speakers and the students.
One teen wrote about how she might bring together two different careers: journalism and psychology. She spoke with Steve Murphy, an award-winning, retired, WCCO radio reporter. Murphy “made me realize that journalism is not simply about reporting facts; it’s about telling stories of people affected by these events. For example … covering a natural disaster is not just about the event itself but about understanding and conveying the experiences of the people who live through it.”
Steve Murphy
The student also discussed Dr. Kasim Abdur Razzaq, who has won a Bush Foundation fellowship to help promote greater diversity in the mental health field. She wrote: “I aspire to make a meaningful impact by raising awareness about mental health and encouraging open conversations. Dual interests open doors to unique opportunities, such as creating a video focused on mental health topics. I imagine a series titled ‘Soul Talk’ or ‘Peaceful Minds,’ where “nabad” means peace in Somalia. This platform can serve to unite my passion for writing and mental health advocacy.” The student chose to remain anonymous — but her paper is posted.
Another student, Mohamed, described electrical engineer Abdullahi Ahmed. Mohamed wrote, “I realized engineers were more than just smart people with inventive qualities. They were problem solvers who took different approaches to solving complex problems and helping the community. Engineering wasn’t just about technical skills or designing amazing new pieces of technology, it was about thinking critically, adapting to new challenges, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Engineers are individuals who can break down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts, evaluate each component carefully, and use creativity and logic to find solution. Their success wasn’t just a product of intelligence, but of determination, teamwork, and the ability to see failure as a steppingstone toward improvement.”
Abdullahi Ahmed
A third student, Hamdi, wrote about Abdiweli Mohamed, who combined careers in accounting and real estate. Listening to Mohamed, Hamdi concluded: “With the right mindset and work ethic, it’s possible to thrive in multiple areas of life. It’s not just about getting a job, but finding a path that offers growth opportunities and brings a sense of fulfillment.”
Ayane was impressed after listening to Darryl Pratte, a Minnesota architect. “The most fun part in this career would be being able to work with a team. Working with engineers and others allows me to learn more and create something greater in the future.”
Darryl Pratte
HGA student Bahja interviewed Dr. Zowda Hassan, who leads a hospital’s pharmacy department. She spoke about the value of Post-Secondary Education Options, giving her a head start for college. Bahja noted something both employees and employers should remember: “During her residency and internship, she had a supportive team who respected her beliefs and supported her in her workplace.” (Editor’s note. Dr. Hassan preferred not to have her picture published)
Two students, Zania and Hanaan, stressed the positive impact of a University of Minnesota professor who helps prepare dentists, Dr. Fahim Vohra.
Zania concluded, “The fun part of this job is that we get to have the ability of making a patient smile and improve their oral health hygiene which can boost their confidence.” And Hanaan, speaking for many young people wrote, “Money is important, but I also want to benefit people with what I do.”
The organization where I work — now called Catalyst for Systems Change — and Higher Ground Academy received support from the statewide nonprofit Youthprise and the Department of Employment and Economic Development to bring together the students and professionals. But any school can arrange for its students to not only listen to and learn from professionals but also write about them. Essays are found here.
Joe Nathan, PhD, has been a Minnesota educator, parent and PTA president. He was founding director of Center for School Change, now known as Catalyst for Systems Change. Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolchange.org.