“I Want to Be a NASCAR Mechanic” — A Career Conversation with a 5th Grader

During my April residency in the River Valley School District , I worked with a wide range of students across grade levels. The students and faculty there are tremendous, and I have so many stories to tell about their work in developing Career Connected Schools. One of the more memorable experiences that I’m still reflecting on comes from meeting with a group of 4th and 5th graders and their principal at Saltsburg Elementary. This group of students was preparing for a visit from the League of Innovative Schools , where they would share how they’ve been using RIASEC as a common career language and providing evidence of their interests.

Each student could name their RIASEC themes and provide evidence — from hobbies, class learning, and future dreams. And then one student, I’ll call him — BR — decided to go a bit deeper with his sharing.

The conversation that followed is taken directly from our exchange, which was recorded on video.

Me: You’ve been learning about the RIASEC. How is it useful for you in school and in your classes?

BR: It helps you plan your future.

Me: Some adults might ask, “Are 4th and 5th graders really thinking about their future?” What would you say to that?

BR: Yes.

Me: Okay, so what are you thinking about when you dream about your future?

BR: (without hesitation): I want to be a NASCAR mechanic.

Me: Should we all get your autograph now or later? I think that’s very cool! Which race is going to be your first as a mechanic — Talladega or the 500?

BR: Richmond.

Me: Oh, okay… wow, Richmond. That’s pretty specific. Let’s go further — what team are you going to work for?

BR: That’s easy, Hendrick Motorsports .

Me: Okay, so one more important question: what area of the vehicle would you specialize in?

BR: Tires, engine, and brakes.

This Is What a Dialogic Career Conversation Looks Like

BR didn’t just name a job — he shared a more vivid and specific vision:

• The industry (NASCAR)
• The event that might become his first race as a mechanic (Richmond race)
• The team he would be working for (Hendrick Motorsports)
• The specialty area he would become an expert in (Tires and brakes)
• The connection to the RIASEC language (RES)

And we got there by asking questions.

Real Dream, Real Path

After the visit, I sent the principal a link to Universal Technical Institute, Inc. about their NASCAR mechanic training program. She forwarded it directly to BR.

That’s what happens when students share their dreams — and adults respond with curiosity and care.

Five Career Connected School Benchmarks in Action

1. Career Education Is Part of Everyday Instruction

➤ This was just a regular day at Saltsburg — where career conversations have been normalized for students and staff.

2. Career Conversations Are Ongoing

➤ Students could describe their RIASEC themes and how they show up in their lives.

3. Families Participate in Career-Connected Learning

➤ Many students had already discussed their dreams and themes at home.

4. Career-Connected Learning Engages a Wide Range of Community Partners

➤ This was part of a wider League of Innovative Schools visit — engaging partners in authentic student dialogue.

5. Students Monitor, Share, and Update Career Plans

➤ BR has hopes and dreams — and the words to communicate them, words that are aligned to his RIASEC themes, which also connect with his career of interest.

What Can Happen When We Just Ask?

We often wonder how to get students to think about their future. What I find is — they already are.

What they need are inviting, dialogic spaces — where adults ask real questions and stay curious.

So let’s practice together:

What’s the most vivid or specific career dream a student has ever shared with you? What helped unlock it?

Share your own story about working with students. What surprised you about their vividness and specificity? What strategies do you use to really get kids talking?

Let’s show what’s possible when we listen — really listen.

#CareerConnectedLearning #RIASEC #DialogicTeaching #StudentVoice #LeagueOfInnovativeSchools #K12Careers #FutureReady #TeacherTalent