One message was clear from all of the speakers at Pasadena Memorial High School’s second annual Career Day recently – the time for students to start planning for their futures is now.

More than 100 speakers from different lines of work spoke to the students about the education and qualifications it takes to be successful in their careers. Professionals from the Texas Game Warden’s office, radio broadcasters, financial advisors, dentists, doctors, technology specialists, police detectives, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, helicopter pilots, homeland security officials and Army and Air Force personnel were a few of the professionals in the spotlight. The Army National Guard provided breakfast for the speakers at the event.

The event was organized by Memorial assistant principal Tish Eubanks. “We had a wonderful turnout and the students learned a lot from the speakers,” she said. “It (career day) gave them a glimpse of careers they might want to pursue after high school or college. The speakers also gave them the advice that will help them plan for that journey.”

One of the most highly attended sessions was presented by Sgt. Richard A. Flores of the Army National Guard. Flores spoke to the students about the importance of marketing themselves when they select their chosen careers and enter the job market.

“It’s so important that you learn everything that you can now and continue to expand your knowledge,” Flores said. “When you go on that first job interview, you want to appear confident and knowledgeable about what you are talking about – that’s what employers are looking for. You are your own best salesperson and it is your job to ‘sell’ people on why they should hire you.”

Career Day was also a family affair for three members of the Houston Fire Department. Brian Manry, Sr. is a 30-year veteran of the department, while sons Brian Manry, Jr. and Blaine Manry are early in their careers with HFD. Brian is a graduate of Sam Rayburn High School and Blaine was a part of Pasadena Memorial’s first graduating class. Memorial teacher Ele Manry is wife and mother to the trio.

“I am very proud of all three of them,” Ele said. “It is also special that my two sons followed in their father’s footsteps.”

Eubanks said that student registration for next year’s classes is around the corner, she and Memorial’s administrators felt this time of year would be appropriate to hold career day.

“It gets the students thinking about what some of their interests are – and setting their classes to fit those interests,” she said. “It helps gives them some idea of what direction they want to take for their futures, whether it’s going right into the job market or college. Programs like this help them plan for the future.”