Newburgh School Board Members Part of Career Discovery Series

Board President Carole Mineo and Vice President Susan Prokosch spoke as part of the W.E.S.T. University series. W.E.S.T. (We Encourage Student Talent) University takes place on Wednesday mornings and gives students an opportunity to learn about different career paths, ask questions, and network with professionals in the community.

Ms. Mineo, the first woman in her family to go to college, discussed her career path as an educator and now board member. She related to students by divulging some bad habits, but encouraged students to balance themselves by finding something they truly love, so they are able to get out of bed each morning with a purpose that fulfills them and keeps them going. 

Ms. Prokosch, the first person in her family to go to college, told students that she went to college, but didn’t declare her major until late into her college career. It wasn’t until her senior year that she discovered teaching and how much she really liked being in a classroom with young people. She encouraged students to take advantage of everything teachers have to offer. She also encouraged students not to be stagnant - just because you were successful last year, doesn’t mean you don’t still need to work hard this year.

Both presenters wished they had traveled more during their earlier years and encouraged students to be who they really are inside themselves – not what other people expect you to be. Ms. Prokosch reminisced about how great she felt walking across the college graduation field having proved all of the naysayers wrong.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!