ROCHELLE — Young students at Rochelle’s elementary schools had a glimpse into some real life occupations Friday morning.

Guest speakers paid a visit to Central, Lincoln, May, and Tilton Schools for Career Day to introduce students to a variety of fields available to them. The 27 volunteers from the area shared their career experiences to students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades in an effort to encourage and motivate them to pursue a career they are passionate about.

Students were able to ask questions of each presenter that shared their knowledge as well as the schooling and training it took to achieve their careers.

Catherine Gort, Rochelle School District counselor said the district’s teachers encourage students by talking about and setting future goals.

“Working with community partners to show students not only a variety of careers but also opportunities available locally is an important value as part of a community,” Gort said. “Our community partners truly are wonderful and eager to share with our students.”

The idea for the career day originated from district administrators as a way for students to see role models aside from the individuals they are used to interacting with on a regular basis.

Students at Tilton School learned what ethanol is and were amazed it begins with corn. Jason Schroeder, Process Technician, along with Lauren Kellen, Lab Technician, explained ethanol is used in gasoline to fuel all automobiles, but in different ratios. Both are employed at CHS, Inc. in Rochelle.

Kellen also said the facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both shared what types of things they do on a daily basis.

Dena Anderson, owner of Serenity Landscaping, shared what inspired her to pursue a career in horticulture. Anderson said it all began in third grade when she planted a seed that grew into a cucumber vine. That spark led to taking vocational landscaping classes in high school where she learned how to use chainsaws, climb trees, and utilize large-scale mowing equipment, followed with college to learn recreational management technology.

Anderson explained early on she learned how to work on equipment, engines, and mowers from her father who is a mechanic. She also worked alongside her mother to reseed a yard, further fostering her love for horticulture.

“I’m grateful I had those opportunities, I learned a lot and I save money working on my own trucks and equipment,” Anderson said.

She also explained the positives and negatives to being a business owner — adjusting her schedule to fit in a weekend of kayaking; but on the other hand are the long hours, working until 9 at night some days.

Answering several of the students’ questions, Anderson said being observant and communication are important skills for her employees to possess.

Gort said several fields were represented during this year’s Career Day including police officer, firefighter/paramedic, agriculture, banking, human resources, customer service, hearing instrument specialist, warehousing, veterinary technician, counseling, radiology, community development, and airport manager/pilot/flight instructor.