THOMASTON — Trekkers' 10th-grade students recently completed a 4-week Life Skills course designed to help them gain professional skills and knowledge through mock job interviews at area businesses. The Life Skills course is part of the Cross-America Trekkers program that is offered each year to high school sophomores. This year, professionals from Camden National Bank, The First, Fisher Engineering, Glen Cove Dental Associates, Lonza Rockland, Machias Savings Bank, and Trekkers hosted mock interviews for Trekkers students at their workplaces.

The Life Skills course includes training in résumé-writing, professional etiquette, appropriate dress, self-confidence and answering interview questions. Each student created a résumé to share with the participating interviewers. They practiced interview skills with the help of Trekkers mentors. On the day of their interviews, the students dressed professionally, traveled to local businesses and participated in a 20-minute mock interview there as if they were applying for employment at their assigned work site.

Reflecting on the program, Program Manager Hannah Tannebring stated in a news release, "Watching the confidence of students grow through the Life Skills portion of their 10th grade program year has been incredible. Talking with many of the students on Team Patagonia before and after their mock interviews, it was clear that they all came out of their interview with a newfound understanding of what it means to be a professional, what they did really well in their interviews, and ideas on how they would answer questions differently if they were to have a second chance. Many were also happily surprised by the encouraging feedback they received from their interviewers, furthering their confidence in taking the first step in finding a job. Another great outcome has been listening to students realize how many great opportunities there are in our surrounding communities, and thinking outside of the box on how to hone their natural skill sets."

Having completed this prerequisite requirement, Trekkers' sophomore classes are now preparing for 10-day Cross-America Trekkers expeditions that take place this summer. Along with caring adult mentors from the community, both groups will explore the Rocky Mountains region of Colorado. They will explore several national parks, such as Mesa Verde, Arches, and Canyonlands National Park, and learn about the flora, fauna and environmental issues in the area. They will also complete a service project and participate in a cultural exchange during their educational expeditions.

Trekkers is a non-profit, youth-serving organization focused on connecting young people with caring adults through expeditionary learning, community service and adventure-based education. For more information about the Cross-America Trekkers Program, please call (207) 594-5095 or visit trekkers.org.