4 minute read
Senior Projects Program Prepares Students for Future Careers
The Senior Projects Program, now in its third year at Providence, is more than just an additional project to add stress to graduating seniors who are already overworked and experiencing a high degree of “senioritis.” This year, the program provided more than 100 students the opportunity to be more prepared for their future through the exploration of a potential profession.
“I got to explore the field I want to major in early,” said Sheena Devadoss ‘16, who is interested in electrical engineering. “This project made me realize that I’m going into a field that I will enjoy.”
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This year, in addition to working with professional mentors, students were expected to create a final product that proved they learned or know how to do something from the profession they explored. Four students presented an application that helps diagnose sports injuries. Another student presented a theme park proposal for her final product, while another student showed a highlight reel of a wedding video she filmed
“I gained the confidence and independence to know I’ll be okay in the real world.” - Allyson Casella ‘16
and edited for a PHS teacher who recently got married.
“I hope students use these products to apply to internships as freshmen in college,” said Senior Projects Coordinator Joannes Pamatmat ’03. “It’s possible.”
In fact, as a result of Senior Projects, Justin Idian ’16 was offered an internship and Marie Bardelli ’16 was offered part-time work this summer.
Each student spent at least 30 hours on their projects. One student went all the way to the Philippines and took part in a medical mission for his fieldwork. Another student created a mock crime scene on campus for other Providence students to analyze. Other fields of interest included physical therapy, fashion design, marketing, game programming, film production, nursing, dentistry, epidemiology, business, and education.
“From the senior projects program, I learned that no dream is out of reach for me,” said Nycole Wells ‘16, who is interested in event production and management. “I was very passionate about my Senior Project which made it a fun learning experience for me and not something that just took up my time.”
Pamatmat ’03 said one of the biggest takeaways for some of the students is learning from adults who are not their teachers.
“The Senior Projects Program taught me proper and professional etiquette,” reflected Caitlin Caguco ‘16, who is interested in film production. “As a teenager, I’m ignorant of the propriety necessary for a work environment. It also taught me not to be terrified of talking to grown-ups because most of the time they’re just as lost as we are.”
Miguel Mendiola ’16, who is interested in the physical therapy field added, “I gained a business-oriented mindset and social skills. I learned to communicate better and take charge of the situations I’m in.”
Leaving the comforts and familiarity of high school can be daunting, especially as these recent graduates embark on their college lives, but the Senior Project Program is a step closer to helping them discover who they want to be.
Allyson Casella ‘16, who is interested in a career in the fashion industry reflected, “I gained the confidence and independence to know I’ll be okay in the real world.”
Mentor Testimonials
“Patrick has been a comparable, if not better, mentee than most of my pharmacy interns (who are in pharmacy school). Being a relatively young practitioner, he has truly inspired me that a student his age can be the future of pharmacy and he has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I will continue to work with him through his years of college, especially if pharmacy is what he wants to pursue.”
- MicHael daHer, Mentor to Patrick acoSta ‘16
“It was a pleasure to work with Brian. He will continue to grow and mature as a great asset and positive influence in the community. I would welcome working with Brian in the future.”
- doMinic caguco, Mentor to Brian caBagnot ‘16
“She definitely has a direction in where she wants to go and what she wants to do. I think most people her age lack direction and don’t have as much conviction.”
- aleSSandra Melikian, Mentor to Sareen kHacHtourian ‘16 “It helps to work with young people, and to know they will carry on in an established field, and improve upon it as they gain experience and educational momentum.”
- Marc callo, Mentor to auStin riggS ‘16
“[Being a mentor] reminded me just how young and impressionable students are. It reminded me how important it is to teach our young hires and mold them properly.”
- karen kananen, Mentor to Maria Benedicto ‘16
