WM student learns about career opportunities

WM student learns about career opportunities

Allen attends UAPB human sciences camp

sandersc@uapb.edu PINE BLUFF — The goal of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS) Adventure Camp is to inform students of higher education and career opportunities related to SAFHS disciplines. But the camp did much more than that.

At the closing ceremony each student had a few moments to reflect on his or her camping experience.

Most of the 13 students from eight schools in Texas and Arkansas agreed that not only did they learn a lot, they were inspired and gained a new appreciation for what they have.

Angel Allen from West Memphis said, “Most eyeopening was Heifer Ranch and to see how good we have it.” Naomi Scott of Dallas said, “I learned to be grateful for what I have.”

Others echoed similar sentiments.

To get an idea of careers they might pursue, students visited several educational centers including the Mid-America Science Museum, the Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center, Heifer Ranch & Heifer International Headquarters, and the National Center for Toxicological Research.

“The students also visited some of UAPB's greatest assets including the campus farms, the aquaculture/fisheries center and the biotechnology lab,” Teki K. Winston, director of 4-H youth programming for UAPB said. “To gain practical information about future international opportunities,” the students attended an overview of the Peace Corps by Pine Bluff native Renee Smith, a Peace Corps volunteer who recently returned from serving two years in Morocco. Students also participated in an essay writing workshop.

Campers, their hometowns and high schools were as follows: Pine Bluff — Gerrod White, Watson Chapel — Jacoby Adkins, White Hall — Alyssa Alley and Jordan Robinson, Dollarway — Taylor Johnson, Elizabeth Nyarangi, and Tylor Johnson. Little Rock Central — Khaliah Younger and Zion Parker-Russell. West Memphis — Angel Allen.

From out-of-state were Christian Cornelius and Naomi Scott of Texas.

The week-long residential camp is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

For more information on UAPB youth activities and/or future similar camping experiences, contact Winston at (870) 575 – 8538.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Program offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

From Carol Sanders