Archaeologist and Orthodontist Visit School

Submitted by jennifer.dunn on

On November 3rd and November 4th, we were lucky enough to have an archaeologist and orthodontist come and visit our school. These visits were for the Window to the Workplace program put on by the Counseling Office at Springville Junior High. 

Kara Kawakami Petty, the archaeologist, presented her career using a lot of pictures. These included photos of skeletons she had uncovered herself, artifacts, and sites that she had worked on. Abi Maicas, a seventh grader, said, “I liked the pictures the archaeologist had. It showed what you would do and find.”

Mrs. Petty also spoke about how it is hard work. She said that most archaeologists burn out after about 10 years. She also informed the students that if archaeology was something they were interested in there were opportunities to volunteer in the field even at this age. Mrs. Petty said, “My career as an archaeologist is to analyze and learn about cultures through their material remains. The remnants of their homes, food, tools, and even skeletons. Archaeologists study historic as well as prehistoric civilizations, and even present peoples. Archaeology is a branch of Anthropology.”

Ms. Distefano, a counselor at Springville Junior High, also appreciated the pictures Mrs. Petty shared. She said, “[Archaeologists] definitely have challenging working conditions!  I thought it was really interesting to learn about how their findings can help to discover trade routes.”        

The next day we had orthodontist, Dr. John Schouten, come. He focused on the work it takes to become an orthodontist. On average it takes over 10 years to get to the point where you can be a practicing orthodontist. He also talked about how orthodontists are related to dentists.

He shared what they do on an average day. At the end he passed out little goodie bags full of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. Mrs. Distefano, a counselor at Springville Junior, said, “It was interesting to hear him compare the education and career path of an orthodontist and a doctor, and how it's getting more difficult to become an orthodontist.  I thought it was great that they brought toothbrushes and toothpaste to hand out.”

Abi Macias appreciated the fact that he covered all the bases about what you need to do to get the job done.

All in all, it was a very informative experience to all who came to these presentations. It was also a positive experience for the presenters. Mrs. Petty said, “I enjoyed presenting because I like to share what I love. There were a lot of really thoughtful and good questions asked by the students too.”

Attributions
Aubrey Stewart, SJHS Staff Writer