Mount Mercy Academy recently hosted a Career Day for its students, exposing students to a wide variety of possible career paths. Each student was able to choose and attend three different sessions. Speakers informed students about their educational backgrounds, their career paths, the components of their jobs and invited student questions.
Five Mount Mercy Academy graduates and two Mount Mercy parents were among the eleven speakers. Two current teachers, Brendan Brown and Cara Sullivan, provided students with information about a career in education.
Mary Frances (Hall) Croake, was one of three speakers from the Class of 2007. She is currently a medical doctor at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, employed as a diagnostic radiologist and the director of lung cancer screening. She received her undergraduate degree at LeMoyne College and graduated from the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, ultimately completing a fellowship in Cardiothoracic Imaging. Croake outlined the different types of medicine available for physicians. Classmate Mary Riedy, spoke about a career in Pharmaceutics. Riedy, a licensed pharmacist with specialty training in pediatrics, has worked in various hospitals, specializing in working with children’s medication. She currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She was able to discuss various career options available to those who pursue a career in pharmacology.
Marguerite (Marga) McMahon, the final member from the Class of 2007, is currently the Senior Director of Innovative Learning for Our Lady of Victory Human Services (OLVHS). She oversees a work-based learning and transition program for students who have barriers to obtaining employment. She was able to speak to the students about determining their interests in vocations.
Emma English, a 2014 Mount Mercy graduate, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of Buffalo, spoke to the students about her career in Buffalo theatre that included positions at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Irish Classical Theatre, Jewish Repertory Theatre and Road Less Traveled Productions, as well as Shakespeare in the Park. She used those experiences to found her own theatre company and currently is the Production Stage Manager for Second Generation Theatre. English told the students how a past Mount Mercy Career Day speaker helped to inspire her career choice.
Emily Lewandowski, a 2018 Mount Mercy graduate, spoke to the students virtually. Lewandowski is currently in her second year of medical school at second year medical student at LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine) in Bradenton, Florida. Lewandowski shared her experiences as a pre-medical student at Saint Bonaventure University. She spoke about how to succeed in college, outlining how she managed her academics while playing Division I softball.
Cory DeWitt, a New York State licensed Esthetician, shared her passion for health and wellness, both inside and outside of a person, with the students. Prior to her current career, DeWitt worked with children in the mental health field, so she was also able to share information about that career. Currently DeWitt works at Seneca Springs Wellness in West Seneca.
Kimberly Diamico addressed the students about her career in human services and social work. She currently works as an In-School Social Worker with Catholic Charities. She spoke about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and providing help with students’ individual needs. She was able to speak eloquently about the field due to her varied and vast experiences.
Laura Horton, the director of Continental School of Beauty, shared the various options and paths in the field of cosmetology with the students.
Richard Hibbs, a volunteer fireman, shared his experiences in the fire and rescue field with the students. Luis Marrero spoke about possible careers in the law enforcement field.
Career Day was well-received by the students who found the presentations to be insightful and informative for them as they consider their futures.
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