Students participate in Job Shadow Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Local students descended on RAF Lakenheath and Feltwell during the Department of Defense Dependents Schools' Job Shadow Day Feb. 8.

Job Shadow Day, formally known or referred to as "bring your child to work day", provides students an opportunity to experience what their parents do at work and their job's importance to the overall Air Force mission.

"We're excited that [U.S. Air Forces in Europe] has incorporated Job Shadow Day in all the bases in Europe," said Lisa Thompson, 48th Force Support Squadron School Liaison officer. "Job Shadow Day is an initiative that is supported by the Air Force military community and serves as a way to bring students into the professional work environment."

According to Ms. Thompson, Feb. 8 was a DoDDs "No School Day", to give students and parents the opportunity to participate in this program. The program demonstrates a connection between academia and careers, as well as inspires students to work hard in school to achieve future career aspirations.

During the day, the 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office hosted five students: Raven Ashton, Jamie Vittore, Clarissa Wood, Alexander Campbell and Tristan Estes. The students experienced what the base journalists, photographers and broadcasters do on a daily basis.

The students had the opportunity to participate in a news article interview, shoot studio and action photos, as well as star in an educational video.

For the older students, the day showed a possible career avenue.

"It gives me the opportunity to see other jobs, since college isn't that far away," said Raven, a Lakenheath High School junior.

For the younger students, it provided an opportunity to follow a parent into the work place.

"It was awesome to go to work with my dad," said Tristan, a Feltwell Elementary School student. "My mom told me it was a going to be a special day, and it was fun!"

As retreat played and the day ended, the students agreed that the photography was one of the best parts of the special day.

But, for the service members who were shadowed, the entire day was considered great.

"I really enjoyed having the students shadow us at work," said Staff Sgt. Megan Lyon, 48th FW Public Affairs office NCO in charge of community relations. "It's a rare opportunity and a great program. The students participating today could be tomorrow's Airmen."