While seniors at Pascack Valley are entitled to many perks and privileges, perhaps the most noteworthy of all is the ability to pursue an internship.

For those unfamiliar, the PV internship program offers a unique experience to seniors interested in exploring different career options. If a student decides to pursue an internship, the latter half of their day takes place outside of school, and they are given the opportunity to work on-the-job in a temporary position. Students can choose an internship based on their own personal area of interest.

Mrs. Laura Grier, who has been organizing the program for four years and also organizes a similar program at Park Ridge High School, has seen the program increase in popularity over the years. In fact, this year alone, 77 students are in the internship program, which is more than ever before.

“More students are realizing the value of pursing an internship their senior year in high school in lieu of traditional classes,” said Grier.

She added, “Many students begin college with no idea of what career they want to pursue. Completing an internship early allows them to get acquainted with career opportunities that are available to them. Just as beneficial as identifying a career you do want to pursue is the fact that many students recognize what they do not want to do.”

Some of the students in the program include Peter Kerin, who works at Van Natta Mechanical Corp. in Mahwah, Emily Friedman and Courtney Sakosits, who both intern at Meadowbrook Elementary School, and Tristan Bournot, who interns at The Park Steakhouse in Park Ridge.

At his internship, Kerin spends most of his time in the metal shop building air ducts, ventilation and framework. Although it took him a bit of time to warm up to his new job, he now enjoys the work and finds it surprisingly rewarding. Kerin said, “I learned a lot from my internship. I just didn’t learn what I expected to. I learned a lot about working with people who speak different languages and learned good work methods.”

Friedman and Sakosits, on the other hand, spend most of their day working with children at Meadowbrook School as part of the Tomorrow’s Teachers Program, which is led by Mr. Casey Gotliffe and overseen by Grier. Friedman works in a fourth grade class, while Sakosits works in a second grade class. Not only do these seniors help students with either their writing or math assignments, but they also do many other tasks as well.

Sakosits said, “When students have their electives I do different things for my teacher, like make copies and change the bulletin board.” Friedman also helps the teacher “grade papers” and “insert grades onto the computer.”

Both of them love their internships and feel that it perfectly prepares them for a career in education. Friedman explained, “I have learned what a teacher does on a day-to-day basis.  I always thought that I wanted to go to college and become an elementary school teacher, and doing this internship has made me realize that this is definitely what I want to pursue.”

Lastly, Bournot, who hopes to attend the Culinary Institute of America, says that his job serves as great experience. “I love my internship, “Bournot said, “it is so much fun.” Bournot mostly prepares food for the night and/or the week, and makes desserts for the restaurant.

Considering the overwhelmingly positive reaction from students currently taking on an internship, it seems like a fantastic option for all incoming seniors to think about.

On her own job, Grier remarked, “It can be very challenging at times, but even so, I love my job. I love helping students find a career they wish to pursue. A career they are truly passionate about. A career they were able to identify because they did an internship their senior year at PV.”