Virtual reality looks to the future

From operating heavy machinery to saving motorists in car crashes, Clovis High School students last week got a peek at everyday jobs through virtual reality.

Clovis High School Principal David Fredericks said the goal of the Be Pro, Be Proud event was to provide insight and resources for students to prepare them for a future career.

"I want our kids to see a wide variety, so that they have more knowledge with what they can be and see what careers actually exist within our community and within our state," Fredericks said.

Fredericks said the mission of the Be Pro, Be Proud movement is to bring a new generation of pride, progress and professionals to North America's skilled workforce. New Mexico was the sixth state to join the initiative, with Clovis being the first in the area to host the event.

"I'm proud Clovis is the first to reach out to them (Be Pro, Be Proud) and ask them to come to our community," Fredericks said.

Fredericks said the workforce within the region is deteriorating and having events such as this one combats that. He said the initiative helps students see what occupations are available locally and help guide them in preparing for the career of their choice.

Adrian Lucero, coordinator of the event, is a teacher at the high school. He said this event became possible by working with WorkForce Solutions. Lucero said it gave students the opportunity to experience skill trades.

"I think it's really important to get our students exposed and get to know what it's like to participate in these jobs and figure out if it's a viable option," Lucero said.

The event, held Tuesday and Wednesday, had students gathering in sessions, first going through various virtual reality courses within a semi truck then ending the eventful day with a lecture about financial readiness and debt management.

Lucero said students got to test various simulations of trade jobs as well as those in science, technology, engineering and math fields. He said the goal is to give the students as much exposure to the real world as possible and even begin thinking about internships in the near future.

Sophomore Zayleigh Wheeler was skillfully stabilizing her virtual patient as she attended the event. Wheeler said not only did the event provide her with some insight of her dream profession, but it also gave her some perspective on how fun virtual reality is.

"I've always wanted to be a nurse when I was younger and doing this VR stuff really helped put it into perspective for me. It really helped solidify who I want to be after high school," Wheeler said.

Fredericks said Clovis High School plans to host similar events soon to better inform and assist students in finding a career path.

"This is just one branch in the grand scheme of things to help our community," Fredericks said.