Sixth graders encouraged to "have fun" in their careers

For Amy Kaherl, the journey from a restaurant barista to the pages of the New York Times and a BBC documentary has been one of “adventure.”

Kaherl, who was speaking at the annual Utica Community Schools Career Focus Luncheon, told district sixth graders about the many jobs she had before she earned the international attention for starting an organization that provides seed money for community-based projects in Detroit.

“What I love most about my jobs is that I’ve always had fun,” she said. “It is ok if you are still unclear about your career. It’s all just about the journey. You need to do it for yourself.”

Kaherl was the keynote speaker at the two-day event that allows more than 2,000 UCS sixth graders to meet in small groups with business leaders to discuss their career goals.

Now in its 23rd year, the luncheon allows sixth graders to research their dream jobs and present a digital resume on what they need to reach their goals.

A 1999 UCS graduate, Kaherl told students her goal when she was in elementary school attending the luncheon was to work at a fast-food restaurant.

As she grew older, she gained an interest in theology, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone University and a master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.

From there, she created and become executive director of Detroit SOUP.

Career“I have always wanted to do something that would make another person’s life better,” she said.

Helping others is a the central focus of her organization, which over the past six years has awarded more than $100,000 towards art, social justice, social entrepreneurs, education, technology and urban agriculture in Detroit.

Her work has been featured in state, national and international publication – including its own documentary on the BBC. Kaherl’s keynote address was one part of the two-hour career focus luncheon. Students also met in small groups with local business representatives.

To prepare, students created video resumes based on their career paths, which were shared with business leaders at each table over lunch.

For Wiley Elementary student Makayla Newcomb, who plans to be a film director, meeting her goals means film school and plenty of practical experience.

“You have to be extremely dedicated,” she said. “It’s a 24-hour, seven-day a week job.”

Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said the luncheon is another example of how the UCS community comes together to support its youth.

"We are a solid community because everyone in this room continues to work on behalf of our students," she said.