Michael “Mickey” Bennett credits his education from the College for his success in landing a summer position with the Rec PAC Program in Fairfax County, Virginia.
“I feel like I have been extremely prepared for my future with so many things the CPASS program has offered me. It goes beyond learning in the classroom,” said Bennett.
CPASS offers students the chance to grow in the career fields they wish to pursue. Bennett took advantage of these opportunities such as the SEP Club and studying abroad in Sweden. The SEP Club students become more involved with their major and make connections within CPASS.
“It can be intimidating to walk in the door but within two minutes everyone will make you feel welcome and a part of the group,” said Bennett on his experience with theSEP Club. The classes and clubs Bennett has been apart of over the years gave him great tools to stand out amongst other applicants.
“When I went to apply for jobs this spring I was surprised that I had so much already intact. I had the resume, due to SEP and Dr. Clement. Due to ACE 256, with Dr. Dieffenbach, I had my Frist Aid Certification and created my coaching portfolio. Also, I have my Coaching Principles Certification, which is nationally recognized,” said Bennett. “These credentials, along with wrestling here at WVU, really looked great and in my favor as a non-experienced job seeking applicant.”
The Rec PAC Program never seemed like a job to Bennett. Working with kids served to be an incredible experience and possibly a career path in the future, according to Bennett. The program allowed him to design schedules every day, involving games and art projects that kept the kids active and having fun.
“Kids would often argue about who would sit next to me during lunch and it just really felt good to be appreciated by all these kids,” said Bennett. In comparison to the Rec Pac Program and other jobs for Bennett, was the excitement from the kids and coworkers during the day.
Looking back on his summer experience Bennett got the opportunity to see what it was like to work with kids, proving to be a possible career in the future. “I think I really left an impression on some of the kids there and overall I really enjoyed the experience,” said Bennett.
(Photo Caption: Mickey Bennett is pictured Second Row, Second Person in from the Left wearing a black t-shirt.)