ABERDEEN, Md. – Four civilian employees from APG visited Aberdeen High School to speak with Advancement Via Individual Determination program students about their career paths Nov. 7, 2023.
The students were encouraged to ask questions about each speaker’s job, day-to-day requirements, and education. Speakers were invited to share the unlimited opportunities available working for the Army as a civilian.
The speakers were Priscilla Lee, a biologist with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center; Elana Messner, a master planner with DEVCOM CBC; Wayne Strine, chief of the combat vehicles division at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center; and Michael Livezey, assistant fire chief for APG Fire and Emergency Services.
The speakers were separated into small groups with 20 students per classroom. Strine talked with his group about different branches of engineering and how they all have to work together to protect the warfighter. He said that an engineer’s job is to figure out how to keep people safe but still do their jobs effectively.
“If you’re happy with your work, that’s what matters most,” Strine said.
Messner and Lee spoke about some of the projects they’ve been able to work on. Lee said there are lots of options within the Army beyond being a Soldier.
“Trying something new is never a waste,” Messner encouraged.
The students had a lot of questions for Livezey, primarily about what his daily routine looks like.
“I always try to get a good night’s sleep,” he said. He added that usually he works 24 hour shifts. “If you get in at 8 a.m., you don’t leave until 8 a.m. the next day.”
He emphasized how important it is to keep his mornings slow and stress-free so that he’s prepared for anything that might come later.
Lorraine Nau, AVID site coordinator at AHS, said the AVID team at AHS enjoyed partnering with APG this year.
“The opportunity knowledge our students gained by listening to various professionals empowers them to better plan and prepare for college life,” Nau said.
About AVID
AVID is a non-profit organization that provides professional learning for educators to close opportunity gaps and improve college and career readiness for middle and high school students, especially those traditionally underrepresented in higher education. When schools partner with AVID, they receive professional development, resources, and support to ensure lasting impacts on students.
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