Northern Valley Demarest seniors are beginning to wrap up their last year of high school sooner than others. School’s out and work based learning is in. At NVD seniors are given the opportunity to indulge in work based learning (WBL). WBL is important because students are able to get a hands-on learning experience working in their designated areas.
Starting May 19, all seniors participating in WBL will be learning new life skills. Students will work at all different places; this may be a day camp, school or any small local businesses.
Senior Max Brickman explains why he chose his location.
“I chose to do WBL at Woodmont Day Camp because I was looking for somewhere to learn about running a business, but also have fun,” Brickman said.
Seniors choose their locations based on their interests and sometimes based on connections. “Woodmont seemed like the perfect fit for this criteria, as I have a good relationship with the owners of the camp, who could teach me about the business side of things. On the other hand, I knew I would get to spend a lot of time outdoors, and being able to do it with a friend was very appealing,” Brickman said.
Brickman said he is eager to learn skills for the future, as he plans on studying business during his next four years studying at Syracuse University.
“In college, I am going to be studying business, and while I am not sure what specifically I want to do in business, this experience can help open my eyes to different aspects of running a business,” Brickman said.
It is clear that Brickman is excited for WBL so he can begin preparing for a successful future.
Senior Phoebe Terner is also planning on doing WBL. She is planning on being a teacher’s aide at Hillside elementary school. Phoebe’s main goal for WBL was to be in a fun environment with her friends. Phoebe chose to go to her old elementary school with her close friends so they could all be together during their last month of school.
Senior Marco DeCroce plans on working with the gym teacher at Haworth Public School. He said he has always connected with sports and wants to help teach younger athletes the skills they need in order to be the best teammates possible. He chose Haworth Public School because he went there as a child and wants to go back to his roots for his last few months home.
“In the future I hope to see myself become a head football coach or assistant at the professional level. I love motivating people and being a leader to a team. I am very excited to help these young kids have fun and help them get better at their sports,” DeCroce said.
DeCroce is looking forward to this opportunity because he hopes to see how it is working with people in a more professional setting.
“I want to see how difficult working and coaching younger kids and athletes can be. I am excited to learn the ups and downs about teaching and see how rewarding it may feel,” DeCroce said.
