Heather Henderson, a senior attending the University of Florida (receiving her BA in Communications Sciences and Disorders, and graduating this May) did not have the opportunity to "job shadow" at her high school, and as a result, she remains concerned as to whether or not she chose the right major in school. She began working for a clinic several months ago and feels that the career she thought she would enjoy and the real life work experience are quite different. Henderson admitted she might have had better insight if her high school had offered its students a job shadowing program to its students.

Judith Zakim, Guidance Counselor at Trumbull High, and head of Job Shadowing, told this TEENSPEAK reporter, "I believe this program is invaluable. I enjoy my job because I feel it is so important for students to get an opportunity to learn the skills they will need to be successful in the career of their choice."

I have "job shadowed" for three different careers since my sophomore year at Trumbull High. My first career choice was in the field of sports medicine. Having broken my elbow while playing football, I became interested in the work my physical therapist did to rehabilitate my arm. Throughout the day, I "shadowed" the doctor, visiting patients and watching him treat many conditions, helping many people. I discovered however, that this profession was not what I expected it to be. Having an interest in sports, I assumed that physical therapy would be an exciting profession because I would be treating athletes. I learned, however, that physical therapists treat all kinds of injuries that happen to older people as well as young. Once I realized this, this profession was not as appealing to me.

I also "shadowed" at an architectural firm. I thought that this would be interesting because I currently take engineering classes, and I thought that becoming an architect was something I might want to strive for. This career field was quite interesting, but it too, was not what I had in mind for myself. I found out that the starting pay was very low, and designing a regular house seemed boring. I didn't want to have to work within a budget. I wanted to be able to design a dream mansion every time, equipped with the latest technological features.

My most recent "job shadow" was with WTNH, Channel 8 News in New Haven. I "shadowed" Lisa Franco. Lisa is the Director of Public Affairs for the station. Her responsibilities include writing press releases about the many changes that occur at the station (WTNH is currently under major construction