Papillion-La Vista students see different career paths in 'High Ability Learners' program

Some kids know what they want to be when they grow up.

For others that decision isn't as easy.

But the Papillion-La Vista Community Schools is trying to make the future a little clearer for some middle schoolers with a hands on career program.

Their trip to the vet wasn't just about hanging out with some cute puppies.

Some Papillion-La Vista middle schoolers got a first-hand look at what it's like to be a veterinarian.

The middle school high ability learners get a chance to choose a career field they'd like to study.

“I wanted to be a vet ever since I was little cause I love animals,” said Cali Engel, student.

Engel and some of her classmates chose to study careers that deal with animals.

“These trips change their lives,” said Beth Maloney.

Maloney, the High Ability Learning facilitator for the Papillion-La Vista School District says each career topic meets four times.

The students get a chance to head out of the classroom and hang out in the real world. 

On Thursday, the wannabe vets got an inside look at what life is like for a veterinarian from someone who has been doing it for decades.

“They get to see how a working hospital is show them the different attributes of being a vet how it's not always the fuzzy cuddly puppies and kittens in fact it's utilizing some of those subjects in middle school when you think ugh you don't have to do these you know the math and science," said. Dr Michael Siggers.

Dr.  Siggers wants to inspire the next generation of vets.

But he also wants to let the kids know what it takes.

Dr. Siggers talked to the kids about everything from schooling to surgery and of course they got to ask questions too.

Even though they're only in middle school.

Students say days like today are very beneficial.

“If I didn't know exactly what you do in here I would be kind of unsure and it would be kind of hard to figure it out if you didn't know much about the job,” said Engel.

It's a learning experience unlike any other.

“A day like today knowing that they want to be a vet and we hear back from them the years down the road and that is what they are doing or trying to do so it's very powerful that's for sure,” said Maloney.

For more information on this program, click here.