This summer as part of the 4H Career Explorations program here at Cornell over 17 people who work at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology shared their work with high school students and adult leaders from around the New York State

 
The program was rich and diverse. Each presenter gave inspiring presentations including outdoor walks, exploring the collections (bird skins), sound recording, video/multimedia presentations, talks on marketing, citizen science,  art, quilting,  research on the Brown Treecreeper in Australia (determining the basis of its sensitivity to habitat fragmentation), Puffin conservation, making your own web site (with google maps), all you ever wanted to know about birds but were afraid to ask, and so much more.

 Please take a moment to see the agenda. 

Below, please see a few quotes (taken from evaluations) from participants and  the state program coordinator.

"Great program! Very comprehensive presentation of the scope and depth of the talent and resources encompassed within the Lab of Ornithology. The speakers  were very informative and inspiring. I felt an important lesson that was imparted to the youth was  the repeated encouragement to follow all paths of interest. A career need not be a narrow path of intensive specific study but can be born out of an array of pursuits and experiences. I will highly and enthusiastically recommend this program to future participants."

One 4Her drew an incredible bird just taking off in flight in her evaluation and this is what she said: "This educational experience was great....this has taught me a lot and opened more career doors."

"I was given ideas about many, many careers that will be extremely valuable later in life."

"...a true learning experience."

"I am proud to say I no longer think of pigeons as rats with wings."

" I was absolutely blown away... by the quilting as an artist. I found them to be some of the most amazing  pieces I have ever seen."

"This was a great experience as a mentor.  I thought you all did a wonderful job of conveying to the youth your enthusiasm, passion for knowledge, and education and especially the many varied paths that you all took to find your professions."

From the State Program Coordinator, Celeste Carmichael:
"Thanks so much for partnering with us!  What a fabulous opportunity to connect kids with Cornell.  I have heard so many praises about the programs that you offered, the hands on opportunities that were provided, and the time that you took to engage young people and interested staff and chaperones in the work of your Department.  We've yet to do a longitudinal study on the impact of Career Ex, but I have lots of anecdotal evidence confirming what I know to be true -- Career Ex helps young people to choose a study path, often as a result of the warm reception that they are given by staff and faculty.   I can't thank you enough!"