On March 31, Public Speaking students at Stone Bridge participated in a series of mock interviews. These interviews were the final part of an assignment to assess the career readiness of the students.

The Public Speaking students spent the week leading up to the interview learning about what it takes to apply for a job. They learned about interviewing–both interviewing others and being interviewed–but they also learned about other parts of applying for a job. 

“Leading up to the interview, we created resumes and cover letters, and we did some roleplaying,” Public Speaking teacher Jessica Nastasi said. “They would switch who was the interviewer and who was the applicant.”

Students also prepared themselves by answering sample questions that gave an idea of what the students would be going into. They also looked at video examples to learn what to do and what not to do. 

“We had sample questions that I practiced answering in written form and spoken form, and we also watched examples of both good and bad interviews,” sophomore Jillian Wallner said.

Each student also decided on a career that they were interested in and constructed questions that could possibly be asked during the interview.

“I decided to be an art therapist,” senior Rashmika Tahsin said. “I’m not sure if I might go into it in the future realistically, but it is an option of mine. Mrs. Blackstock interviewed me.”

The interviews themselves were done by teachers and other members of the community who offered time to help out the Public Speaking students. The interviewers came from a range of backgrounds, from art teachers at Stone Bridge to police officers and real estate agents. 

“We had a former teacher; we had an officer; we had two of the teachers from the school who were in areas that the students were interested in,” Mrs. Nastasi said. “There was quite a variety of people from the community who volunteered their time to come in and interview the students to give a more authentic feel.”

The students were able to use this opportunity to learn more about the process of applying for a career as well as what they may be interested in when they do apply. It was a chance for them to gain practical experience and better prepare themselves for the future.

“It was really great practice for job interviews whether you’re applying for a summer job or a career path,” Wallner said. “I definitely feel better prepared for those types of things and know more about myself and making career choices in the future.”