Contributed photos
At the Truman career fair.
The following citizen contribution was written by Truman School Principal Dr. Aurea Evelyn Jaca about a career fair hosted for middle schoolers on May 16.
Truman School was abuzz with excitement and curiosity as students participated in a vibrant and impactful career fair, welcoming 30-plus local professionals and community organizations who came to share their career experiences and inspire the next generation.
The event, organized by educator Kelly Casey, was designed to introduce students to a variety of career paths and spark interest in future opportunities. Representatives from fields as diverse as carpentry, military service, law, education, mechanical trades, the arts, public safety, elderly services, and technology took time to speak with students about what their jobs entail, the training required, and the challenges and rewards of their professions.
For many students, this was their first opportunity to have meaningful, face-to-face conversations with professionals. “We learned so much — not just about salaries and benefits, but also about how some jobs can be hard but very rewarding,” said one student. “It opened our eyes to careers we never thought about before.”
One student, Rodner Sanchez, shared how the experience changed his perspective. “I didn’t think I’d be interested in carpentry, but after learning more, it actually caught my attention,” he said. “I also liked hearing how the Army can help pay for college and give you useful skills. It was awesome.”
Beyond career awareness, the event allowed students to strengthen their communication skills, ask thoughtful questions, and build confidence while engaging with a wide range of adults in a professional setting.
Principal Dr. Aurea Evelyn Jaca praised the event for helping Truman students grow academically and socially:
“This Career Fair directly supports our school improvement plan by connecting to our goals of raising student performance, increasing attendance, and deepening the sense of belonging for students, staff, and families. It made learning feel relevant and gave students real reasons to stay engaged and come to school. It was beautiful to see so many young people dreaming bigger and connecting with our community in such a positive way.”
Truman School would like to thank all the participating organizations for their time and commitment to student success:
Platt & LaBonia, New Haven Police Department, New Haven Fire Department, Attorney Mr. DeChaules, Yale University Art Gallery, Peabody Museum, FF Mechanical Heating and Cooling, Tommy Vaele (Director of Elderly Services, City of New Haven), Omniseal Solutions, Clifford Beers, Advanced Office Systems, Shane Sedam Carpentry, Asus, Affinity Esports, New Haven Public Library, Q River Grill, U.S. Army, Evergreen Woods, and others who generously gave their time to mentor and connect with Truman students.
This powerful event is a shining example of how school-community partnerships can transform student experiences and help build a future where every student sees themselves in a meaningful, fulfilling career.
