Shaping Student Futures

Eastern Mennonite School is Shaping Futures Beyond College Admissions. Education here is not just about preparing students for college admissions; it’s about equipping them for success in life.

As Jodi Hertzler College and Career Counselor says, “Quality education begins with caring teachers who serve as both instructors and mentors. They strive to understand each student individually, providing guidance and helping them explore possibilities they may not have considered before.”

A standout feature of EMS is its robust internship program, which offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest before choosing a college path. This intentional initiative is led by Ms. Young, who works closely with students to build their professional experience. These two teachers work hand in hand to make sure students get some experience so they are better equipped to make decisions.

This year, students explored internships in diverse areas such as elementary education, engineering, small business, EMS maintenance, and even dental offices. A recent EMS alum reflected on the program’s impact, stating, “Classes at EMS can be quite challenging, particularly in writing, but they prepare you well.”

One student, who interned at AD Engineering, shared his transformative experience. “During my internship, I was able to participate in daily operations, collaborate with professionals, and develop workplace skills related to mechanical engineering. This exposure provided me with a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of a career in this field,” he recounted.

Another student, who interned in the Elementary school (where she went to school herself) in both 2nd and 3rd grades was inspired by her teacher mentors and was able to clarify the grade she wants to teach. She learned a lot about herself and feels passionate about going to school for education and wants to teach 2nd grade.

“During my internship, I have gained many skills, like patience, classroom management, self-confidence, and flexibility…I have built many relationships, not only with the students but also with the teachers I have gotten to shadow. I have seen the children outside of school, and they are always so kind and eager to say hi to me. I have gotten better at communicating with other teachers at EMES and would love to work there someday.” 

Watch this video to see how recent alumni, Pranav Menon used his internship experience to hone his interest in aerospace engineering. Now he’s a first year student at Tech and thriving.