y the time you get to middle school, there's a good chance you have an idea as to what you want to "be" when you grow up.

Sometimes, that idea becomes a reality, but, in many cases, career path ideas change, even into adulthood.To give students more information on what is actually needed to pursue a specific career, the Tamaqua Area Middle School hosted a "Career Day" on Friday with almost four dozen mentors offering insight into their careers.The event was coordinated by middle school guidance counselor Sue Brickler, who feels strongly about "giving students the opportunity to explore as many career paths as we can."Students were able to choose three options they wanted to explore, with the morning split into three sessions so everyone would have the chance to visit with guest speakers in those chosen fields.Each session was 40 minutes long, which was enough time to grab the students' attention, but not too long that their attention would wander.The speakers all had two common threads: there is a lot more to pursuing a career than just classes; and work is a lot easier and more fun if you are doing something you love.Photographer Jordan Flexer told the students, "There is much more to photography than just snapping a photo, whether it's with your smartphone, a digital camera or a film camera."He explained the use of different lenses, filters and backgrounds/backdrops to getting the best possible photo."It's all about composition," he told the students.He also suggested that anyone really interested in becoming a professional photographer start by using film rather than taking photos digitally."It will give them a better understanding of the basic concepts of photography."John Pfeiffer, a retired chemical engineer who worked for Air Products and Chemicals, touted his career choice as perfect for the curious."Engineering is not just about the what," Pfeiffer said. "It's also about the why of things. We get to create better things or find ways to improve them."Tiffany Bieber RN, recently completed her bachelor's degree in nursing and is employed at St. Luke's Miners Campus in Coaldale. She explained how she always wanted to be a nurse, even when she herself was in middle school."My mom was involved in home health care, and I sometimes tagged along with her. I learned you need to have patience, empathy and sincerity to be a nurse," Bieber said."You need to have a true desire to help others. It's a very rewarding career, knowing you've helped someone through an illness or injury."Army Staff Sgt. Amanda Kerr represented the military branches."There are so many ways to give back to our country. Being in the military is an honor as well as being a great career choice."She spoke of many benefits of being a member of the military, from being able to broaden your horizons, seeing places you've only ever imagined about and learning discipline, a concept you can carry throughout your life."I joined the Army for many reasons, including being able to provide a better life for my son and me."Other career fields represented included: animal care, architect, auto body, auto mechanic, broadcasting, business administration, carpentry, chef, child care, computers, criminal investigator, dentist, doctor, electrician, elementary teacher, emergency service, environmental studies, fashion design, firefighter, graphic design, hairstylist, health specialty, journalist, landscaping, law enforcement, lawyer, performing arts, physical therapy, psychology, secondary teacher, sports medicine, truck driver, veterinarian, welding and wildlife management.Middle School Career Day is held every three years and guest speakers are recruited from as many local residents as possible.Brickler summed up the day."Some middle school students have a career path that interests them, while others don't," said Brickler."Career Day offers all the students an opportunity to learn more about what they want to do in life, as well as learn their choice may not be something that interests them after all."