When most teenagers hear the word "internship" the first images that come to mind are probably fetching coffee or photocopies.

For Farmingdale High School students, however, this is not the case. Mrs. Brewer's Internship and Careers class offers students the opportunity to explore their intended field, to learn about what they want to do with their lives, and gain experience in that career before ever leaving the doors of Farmingdale High School. They elect to participate in either a 100 or 200-hour non-paid career exploration.

"They know what they want and are willing to work for it." Mrs. Brewer explained.

"I think it's a marvelous thing," stated Principal Mr. Allen Bauer. "Education should encompass real life, not just academics. These things, together, will help a student grow."

The program, started over three years ago by District Administrative Director Ellen Krammer, offers a "nice transition" for graduating seniors.

"It is much more realistic," added Mr. Bauer. "It is essential for education."

To participate in the Internship and Careers class, students must be committed, mature and responsible and strive to make the most of their high school career.

"The majority of businesses welcomes our students with open arms. In the end, they benefit by hiring employees who were once interns," Mrs. Brewer explained, adding that she has more than 60 students taking her class this year, a class record. "There are some career explorations that I have a great deal of difficulty finding placements for - journalism, law enforcement and radio."

It is a tedious quest for career placements related to their chosen professions; however, Mrs. Brewer has found placements for pharmacists, culinary artists, teachers and even massage therapists. The program is gaining academic acclaim, not only from its advisor, but from its students as well.

"I love being able to have this hands-on experience during high school, and I have never been more excited because now I know that after college I can go into this field," said Michelle Neglia, an internship student.

This year-long program gives students a leg up when it comes to job opportunities in the future.

"It is definitely one of the most beneficial classes I have taken thus far in high school," Gina Antonucci, another Internship and Careers participant said. "It has provided me with a full preview of what I can expect as an elementary school teacher in the future and also the hands-on experience necessary for pursuing that career. I was always hopeful that I would become a teacher one day, and now that I have experienced it, I know for a fact that it is what I want to do. Since most students do not receive the opportunity to intern until they are several years into college, I feel that I have an advantage over other students looking to pursue the same career as me."

Amanda Balsam, a senior who is also interning as an elementary school teacher, affectionately described the internship program as "absolutely amazing."

"I am currently interning at Saltzman East Memorial for a kindergarten class and I absolutely love it," she added. "I find it amazing how fast the kids get to love you and it's the best feeling when they are calling me 'Miss Amanda.' The kids in my class are great, and it's the most rewarding feeling when you teach them a lesson and the next day they know exactly what you taught them. It's like 'wow I did that.' I love the internship program and what it has so far taught me."

To be a potential mentor for internship students contact Mrs. Brewer at 752-6673.