Providence Heights Alpha School Students Learn About Careers Through Field Trip

Third grader Megan Maloney wanted to be a chef before she visited La Roche College on a field trip. She changed her mind after seeing what the nursing program was all about.

"I like seeing how things can help people and make them better," she said.

She was joined by K-8 students from Providence Heights Alpha School in late January for a field trip to various classrooms at La Roche where the faculty showed them what their futures could hold.

The trip came during National Catholic Schools Week. Providence Heights Alpha School, located on the La Roche campus, enrolls students from throughout the North Hills.

The students rotated through nine activity stations led by La Roche faculty and students. They learned about dance, nursing, teaching, chemistry, art and body language. Students also toured residence halls and Magdalen Chapel.

They also created a poster celebrating La Roche's 50th anniversary.

Who Wants to be a Chemist?

Dr. Becky Bozym, assistant professor of chemistry, directed students through hands-on experiments. 

The highlight was when she turned out the lights after mixing the chemicals found in Snap and Glow sticks. A collective "ooooh" of student voices followed as the beaker glowed in the dark.

"Chemistry is very fun and all around you and very colorful," Bozym said.

She asked a group of fifth-graders: Who wants to be a chemist?

"They all raised their hands," she said.

Any Artists?

In the Art Gallery, children gathered around tables of art supplies to create an artpiece that was turned into a button.

"We will try to get them to be their own designer," said Lauren Lampe, professor in graphic design.

Students looked at pattern and texture as they designed their artwork, she said.

Nursing Anyone?

"Listen to my heart," said Stephanie Illig, assistant professor in nursing, as students were handed a stethoscope made of a cardboard tube and cup. "You can hear the bump, bump, bump."

Students learned about nursing as Terri Liberto, department chair of nursing, gave them a tour of a room that included "patients" (mannequins) in hospital beds. 

"The more we show them and teach them, the more they want to learn," Liberto said.

Turned Out 'Better Than Expected'

"This is turning out better than I expected," said Dr. Rosemary McCarthy, associate vice president for academic affairs, as she watched the students move from activity to activity.

She said it was a nice partnership for elementary school students to move into a college setting for the day's activities, which were geared toward making them aware of careers.

"This is phenomenal ... very organized and the kids are loving it."

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