Five children learned about various positions at FSA during Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day. Pictured(l to r): Nick Trzeciak, Mathew Garman, State Executive Director J. Calvin Parrish, Kristen Trzeciak, KC Baker, and Katie Trzeciak.
By Linda Cronin Virginia FSA Public Affairs/Outreach Specialist
“It takes a village to raise a child” rang true last Thursday at the Virginia State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office during the annual Take our Sons and Daughters to Work Day.
The theme “Work in Progress” provided an opportunity for five children of FSA employees to explore career-based options and learn about what their parents do at work. Staff members provided an opportunity to explore several field choices that included state director, appraiser, loan officer, GIS specialist, public relations specialist and secretary.
The day started with games to introduce the young people to FSA and help the group get to know each other. State Executive Director J. Calvin Parrish stopped by with his baseball mitt to swap stories from “the diamond” with the kids and treat them to pizza for lunch.
Several staff members participated in mock job interviews with the future FSAers, followed by a lesson on mapping, satellites, Geographic Information System (GIS), and GPS. The group learned how to work the GPS outside and plot their positions and they were also able to see their home in GIS. Critical thinking was emphasized during a challenging real estate appraisal game followed by a lesson on car loan qualification. They learned about budgeting, how to calculate loan cost and interest and the difference between debt and deficits.
“The day was interesting and learning new things was fun,” said 15-year-old KC Baker, who participated in the day-long event.
“Teaching them about the workplace and giving them a snap shot of the future in a fun learning environment can help solidify their paths in the future,” said Parrish. “Through the leadership of their parents, support from coworkers, family, and friends we can help pave the way for a strong future for today’s youth.”
