More than 30 professional volunteers took time out of their busy careers to speak to Mading Elementary School students, parents, and community members during the school’s second annual Career Day on Jan. 14.

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Mading Principal Nicole Haskins said the event began last year as a community job fair in an effort to get more parents and community members involved. This year, after extending the event, the number of community involvement increased significantly.

“This is an opportunity not only for the students to see different careers, but the teachers, community members, and parents as well,” Haskins said. “It also affords our parents the opportunity to perhaps find a job just by coming to our Career Day.”

Elementary students also joined in on the fun, dressing up and representing various careers—including police officers, doctors, a scientist, and a ballerina. Along with numerous speakers and college students, the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department showcased live demonstrations and educated students on the importance of staying safe during an emergency.

Sponsors were also on hand to give out goodie bags, and on-air radio talent from 97.9 The Box and Majic 102.1 held live broadcasts in addition to speaking with students about a career in radio.

“We are trying to restructure family trees in this community,” Haskins said. “With many campuses going global to global, we want the students to know that you can work anywhere, you can do anything—you just have to be willing to make that leap.”