A Rewarding Experience

[kstenzel]

A while back I got a call from a local High School asking me if I would be interested giving a talk about Taxidermy for their Business Ed class. At first I was reluctant because a) I am not comfortable talking in front of large groups, and b) a fishing buddy of mine is a high school teacher and he paints a gloomy picture of some of the teenage kids of today.

But I accepted and gave an hour-long talk today for about 30 students on Reproduction Fish (my specialty) and showed pictures from start to finish of molding, casting, prep work and painting a SM Bass. I also talked about it from a business point of view, requirements, earnings, advantages/disadvantages and opportunities.

What a great experience! The kids were attentive and asked some great questions. Even the class clown asked a good question (have I ever done a Shark?).

I learned that some predictions indicate that someone just entering the workforce today could have as many as 6 to 7 different careers in their lifetime, so they are teaching these kids to have a back-up plan. And that is exactly what happened to me after a 25-year career in manufacturing. Long gone for most are the days of putting in 30 years with the same company, getting the gold watch and living happily ever after…

I am sharing this experience because if you ever have the opportunity to give a talk to our future generation, do it. For me it was a very rewarding & educational experience.

[fishnart24]

Great job! And good for you! I've given talks to my kids class of elementry school kids representing law enforcement, my real job. I've also volunteered in their schools.  I've also hung out with teenagers in our church on retreats. Believe me, in my profession you lose faith in humanity, starting at ages 11 all the way to 90. But hanging out with them in all of these circumstances has helped restore my faith....in kids. Don't think its gonna happen with us adults lol. These kids need all of the positive influence they can get these days. So again....good for you! and I'm glad it was a positive experience for you also.

[MichaelG]

I really enjoyed reading this post.  I just retired from the Air Force after 29 years.  I'm totally amazed how the current job market demands a Bachelor or higher degree but pays slightly above minumum wage.  I was extemely interested in Taxidermy in the late 70's but had a difficult time finding a taxidermist willing to talk to me.  I was fortunate to find one in Nevada after I started my AF career.  He couldn't afford to pay me to work in his shop but was happy to allow me to watch and learn from him.  I spent two years watching and learning from him.  He taught me a lot and I shared aviation stories with him. 
I'm in the process now of starting up my own taxidermy buisness now and look forward to the day when some young kid comes to the shop looking for advice.

[GBRUCH]

Good For You Kevin!   I am glad you took the time to spend educating the kids.   

I will say however that class clown missed a great opportunity.   There is a fish called the slippery dick(it is true google it) that he coulda had fun with.

Have a great Day!!!

[Clew]

Hey Gary

How would he answer if he had?

[GBRUCH]

I don't know what kevin Would say but I know what I would say.  If I ever got one I would enter it in a show.  Kind of a neat fish. 

[Clew]

I would make a repo

Defiantly would never say mount a

[chadleek]

 Long gone for most are the days of putting in 30 years with the same company, getting the gold watch and living happily ever after…

I am sharing this experience because if you ever have the opportunity to give a talk to our future generation, do it. For me it was a very rewarding & educational experience.

Amen to that! I'm 33 and have lost two jobs I'd still be at hadn't it been to a closing plant, and downsizing....definitely a good idea to teach these kids to have a back up plan.....