Dr. Cassandra Grenade, Oncologist/Hematologist, OSU Medical Center.
On Wednesday, February 10, the Minority Scholars Program hosted Career Conversations with guest speakers Dr. Cassandra Grenade, Oncologist/Hematologist with OSU Medical Center; and Dr. Fareeda Griffith, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Denison University. Both women shared personal stories of their journey from high school to their current career. More than 80 students from all three Westerville high schools attended the presentation. Pupils were engaged and curious about the academic preparation, skills, and obvious benefits that came along with the speakers’ career choices.
Dr. Grenade encouraged students to believe in themselves, saying they can do whatever they set their minds to. “It’s about hard work and not accepting ‘no’ for an answer,” she advised. When asked by a student if she did “anything else besides study” for 15 years after high school, Dr. Grenade replied, “Of course, I enjoyed my college experience. I partied like everyone else, but I knew when to shut it down and hit the books.”
Dr. Griffith, a tenured professor at Denison University, shared the story of how she once dreamed of becoming a school teacher until a college professor inspired her to consider a career in higher education. After learning the definition of “tenure,” students are now researching occupations that offer tenure.
The Minority Scholars Program will host Career Conversations monthly. Upcoming presentations are scheduled for March 17 at Westerville North High School (where speakers will talk about careers in chemical engineering, dentistry, dental assistance and dental hygiene); and on April 13 at Westerville Central (with a career focus on accounting, IT and clinical counseling).
Career Conversations is open to all students attending a Westerville City Schools high school. Pupils are not required to be Minority Scholar participants.
“I believe Career Conversations will offer valuable connections for our students,” concluded Cynthia DeVese, Coordinator of Minority Student Achievement for Westerville City Schools. “Students were so intrigued by seeing and speaking with someone who looks like them in careers they only dream about and aspire to hold. If this program can open the window to all the possibilities available to our students, maybe they will strive higher and believe that they, too, can achieve their goals.
Visit the Minority Student Achievement Page on our website