There were similar stories, and memories of inspiring teachers and coaches, from several speakers. From ticketing to marketing, historical affairs to social media and digital communications, a wide range of career paths were on display.
“A lot of times at the student level, they don’t realize what it looks like to start in these fields, or what the jobs look like,” said Harding’s interim principal, Jane Sutton. “What they’re seeing today is that there are jobs they’ve never thought of, like the way retail becomes part of the organization. This just takes our girls and makes them stronger as women from hearing these stories and knowing what’s possible.”
After some initial words to the entire group, the students broke off into smaller groups for some talk about job tracks, but also encouragement in general about the paths they can follow.
So while there are plenty of examples of athletic success at Harding (photos of their back-to-back state champion basketball teams greet you when you walk in the gym, and a new set of banners inside the gym document their recent championships in track and other sports), this event made it clear there was a chance to stay in the game beyond graduation.
“I think this definitely gives these young women a new insight,” Harding track and cross country coach LaSonja Collins said. “They think it’s just playing the game, but it’s important to know this can turn into management. This is about the people behind the scenes making things happen.”
Marshall, who plays volleyball and softball and runs track, described the event as “really inspiring,” and said it’s making her think about new avenues that could be open to her after graduation.
And having access to women who have already walked those paths also presents a roadmap that could help others find new careers of their own.
