VanDevender students in the Helping & Making Things Right track visited West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s nursing labs and learned about x-rays with Erin Martin, director of Radiology Technology, during What’s Your Thing Day at WVUP on March 28. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Eighth-grade students from VanDevender Middle School had the opportunity to explore potential career paths during their visit to West Virginia University at Parkersburg on March 28, for What’s Your Thing? Day.

What’s Your Thing? is a hands-on career exploration initiative led by Olivia Reeder, vice president of Institutional Advancement at WVUP. The program is designed to help eighth-grade students connect their personal interests to future college and career paths through immersive, guided experiences on campus.

“This event plays a key role in shaping those early impressions and expanding their awareness of what’s possible,” Reeder said. “Research shows that many eighth graders make their ‘college choice’ by the end of the year – not based on applications or admissions, but on where they see themselves belonging.”

Students were divided into six interactive tracks based on their interests:

* Fixing & Building Things, for hands-on learners and mechanical problem-solvers

VanDevender students in the Fixing and Building Things track got hands-on experience, and learned how to weld during What’s Your Thing? Day at West Virginia University at Parkersburg on March 28. (Photo Provided)

* Everything Outdoors, for students drawn to agriculture and environmental science

* Science & Technology, for curious minds eager to explore coding and robotics

* Helping & Making Things Right, for students inspired by healthcare, education, and criminal justice

* Business as Usual, for budding entrepreneurs and future leaders

* Creating Things, for students interested in media, design, and the arts

Hannah Morgan, Agriculture Outreach Specialist, taught VanDevender students in the Everything Outdoors track about sustainability practices that they use at the Riverhawk Farm, during What’s Your Thing? Day at West Virginia University at Parkersburg on March 28. (Photo Provided)

Each track led students through classroom demonstrations, skill-based activities and career conversations with WVUP faculty and staff.

In the Fixing & Building Things track, students suited up in welding gear at the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Center to get real-world experience with tools and materials. Kaden Haddox, one of the students in the track, said the experience affirmed his dream to follow in his brother’s footsteps and pursue welding.

“Today, we were welding and working on 3-D projects. We got to weld two pieces of metal together,” Haddox said. “It was fun, and I feel like I did a pretty good job.”

The Science & Technology track took students to the Caperton Center, where they explored software engineering and computer science. Mason Hemmingway was especially excited to jump into coding and circuitry.

“We started by coding on the computer, then used a program to make shapes and different designs. Then we went to the server room to strip and wire cables for use in a computer,” Hemmingway said. “I want to come back, definitely!”

Cosmetology students Anna Ashley, left, and Moriah Cale, right, gave VanDevender students in the Creating Things track a look into what they do on a daily basis, during What’s Your Thing? Day at West Virginia University at Parkersburg on March 28. (Photo Provided)

Meanwhile, Natalia Nesbitt found her passion in a surprising place. After participating in the Helping & Making Things Right track and touring the medical simulation labs, she began rethinking her future plans.

“I loved the tour,” Nesbitt said. “I actually want to come here now, like I really do. I never thought I would like to do nursing, but it really changed my perspective. I always thought I wanted to be a teacher, but since I’ve been here, I really think I want to be a nurse now.”

Students in the Everything Outdoors track visited Riverhawk Farm, WVUP’s student-run farm. They explored sustainability practices, toured greenhouse facilities, and even met Rosie, the farm’s first calf.

“Exposing eighth-graders to higher education agriculture programs aligns with Riverhawk Farm’s mission because it fosters early interest in agriculture, connects students with real-world career opportunities, and helps ensure the next generation of farmers, agribusiness professionals, and land stewards,” said John Riggs, Director of Agriculture. “Agriculture is the backbone of rural communities, and engaging young students early helps them see the possibilities beyond traditional farming–whether in technology, environmental conservation, or agribusiness.

“By investing in youth education, we’re strengthening the future of the industry and creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who will sustain and improve agricultural practices for generations to come,” Riggs added. “It’s about giving young minds the opportunity to explore, ask questions, and see that agriculture is more than just work–it’s a vital and evolving field with endless opportunities.”

VanDevender students in the Creating Things track got to explore video editing software in West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Mac Lab during What’s Your Thing Day at WVUP on March 28. (Photo Provided)

Across all tracks, students were met by instructors who were eager to engage, educate, and empower the next generation. Senta Goudy, Director of Civic Engagement, said events like this are essential in bridging the gap between WVUP and the community.

“This is such a great way to introduce these students to careers as they are just beginning to think about their futures,” Goudy said. “WVUP is a place they have heard of but never visited. They are surprised to learn that we have state-of-the-art classrooms, that it’s an easy place to attend, and that our instructors are supportive and eager to help them. These events bridge the gap between the community and the college, and they let students know they belong here.”

The importance of these early touchpoints is personal for many at the institution.

“Introducing eighth-graders to higher education is vital to the college’s mission of fostering educational access. Early exposure can inspire life-changing decisions,” said Dr. David Lancaster, executive vice president of Academic Affairs. “For example, my daughter met a WVUP nurse during a faculty outreach visit to her middle school. That single interaction sparked her interest in nursing–a goal she committed to in eighth grade. Today, she is a nurse at Marietta Memorial. These moments matter. They plant seeds that can define a student’s future.”

Lancaster, a first-generation college student himself, added, “I vividly remember how disoriented I felt stepping onto campus for the first time. I stood in the wrong line for a long time, unsure of where to go or what to do. I was overwhelmed, and it wouldn’t have taken much to convince me to leave. Higher education felt like a foreign world. Fortunately, I encountered mentors who helped me find my way. That experience drives my support for outreach initiatives–because many are searching for their path in life.”

WVUP President Torie Jackson echoed that sentiment.

“As the mother of an eighth grader, I realize how important it is to start talking about high school pathways,” Jackson said. “I graduated high school without any preparation for college and want to make sure that WVU Parkersburg addresses these concerns for all students in our service region. I’m excited for 13 and 14 year olds to learn what their thing is and how they can prepare to turn that thing into their future fulfilling career.”

What’s Your Thing? is part of a larger effort by WVUP to develop stronger college-going identities in the region by meeting students where they are–early, locally, and meaningfully.

For more information about What’s Your Thing?, contact Olivia Reeder at WVUP.