Marfa
When the first bell rang last Wednesday morning, junior high and high school students at Marfa ISD did not shuffle into class as usual but instead assembled in the auditorium to kick off a special event—Marfa Shorthorn Career Fair.
A collaboration between Marfa Education Foundation and Marfa ISD, 36 presenters from 27 area businesses spoke with the students about what they do, how they do it and why.
Ranging from small businesses like Mira Marfa and Big Bend Coffee Roasters, to institutions like Marfa Public Library, the Chinati Foundation, McDonald Observatory, the Department of Homeland Security and everything in between, students received a schedule of talks in advance and got to choose which careers interested them.
Sixth-grader Levi Cashiola enjoyed the rare day off of his normal schedule and had fun at all the presentations he attended. “I really enjoyed listening to everyone’s stories and how they got to where they are. It was inspiring to listen to them. I’m grateful they took time out of their days to meet with us,” he said.
Presenters from diverse backgrounds, including local entrepreneurs, educators, journalists, scientists, public servants, artists, restaurant and food service managers, law enforcement officers, and more, represented a wide range of careers and invited the students to consider many possible vocations.
Of the success and significance of the Shorthorn Career Fair, Marfa Education Foundation Executive Director Abby Boyd said, “It’s critical to have the community come into our school and connect with young people in Marfa. I think the obvious thing is that it’s a huge benefit to our students, but I also think it’s important for folks to come in and meet these kids and see the facilities and meet our teachers. There is a pretty big gap between certain parts of our community, and in some ways, our school is isolated from a lot of the people who live here. We need these kids to get a great education, love where they live, and know they have resources here. They are the future of Marfa.”
“I told the kids, you never know when an important piece of advice is going to come to you,” Boyd added. “My hope is always that they hear something that makes them consider something differently, or inspires them in some way. Sometimes, a simple sentence can change the course of someone’s life. I’m always so thankful for the people who show up to give these kids a peek into their world and inspire them to think about their futures.”