Students go to work instead of school for the day

PUNTA GORDA — Learning to bus tables at a busy Punta Gorda restaurant was more fun for Kylee Ramirez than sitting in the classroom.

Ramirez, 13, participated Thursday in Take Our Daughters And Sons to Work, a 30-year program that shows students what their parents do at work.

The program helps children learn about careers, do hands-on work and understand they can choose their own future.

Ramirez went to work with her mother, Krystne, a server at Harpoon Harry’s at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. The busy restaurant on Charlotte Harbor was filled with hungry customers.

“I feel like doing schoolwork all day is long,” she said. “I met people today. I saw if I had a job, I would make money.”

The Murdock Middle School student learned to bus tables, communicate with customers along with how to clear and clean tables.

Wyatt Liscum, 15, a Charlotte High School student, spent his school day at Harpoon Harry’s emptying trash, busing tables and helping the wait staff.

“This is a beneficial day to show students that you can get a job,” he said. “I did. I started working three weeks ago.”

The fast pace of the restaurant makes the time go by fast. He said he doesn’t mind doing the behind-the-scenes work because one day he might want to open a restaurant.

“When I graduate, I want to work locally,” he said. “I’m not going to college. But I would like to start a business like a restaurant or an air-conditioning business.”

Other Charlotte County students were excused for the day to go to work with their parents.

“It’s a benefit for students as it allows them to envision their future paths while gaining insights into various careers and industries,” Charlotte County Public Schools spokesperson Claudette Smith said. “It aligns with our 3E (Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment) initiative and career planning guide.”

The career planning guide will be implemented in August. It allows students to connect their interests with potential occupations, explore post-secondary education options, delve into local, state and national employment trends, consider potential salaries, and set life goals after high school, Smith said.

The guide helps students prepare for the type of classes, internships and other opportunities for their chosen career path.