Dellwood Middle School pupils recently participated in a job shadow programme and did everything from brushing dolphin's teeth at Dolphin Quest to helping Bermuda's fire and rescue crews work on their CPR technique.

During the job shadow, pupils visited various businesses and observed the every day functions of professionals in their field of interest.

Michael Astwood Smith, 12, spent the day at the Bermuda Fire Service and talked to The Royal Gazette about his experience.

“I got to hang with the crew all day and that was fun. They took some CPR tests and I got to take them too,” Michael said, proud that he could now be a hero save someone's life with CPR.

He said the most interesting thing about the day was trying on one of the fire suits, which he said was not as heavy as he thought.

“I did only try on the jacket and hat though,” he said smiling.

With dreams of one day pursuing a career as a firefighter and hero to many, Michael said he enjoyed the job shadow programme and would participate again next year.

The day after the work shadow, pupils received an evaluation on their attitude which looked at their initiative, how they followed directions, whether or not they arrived on time and whether businesses would want them back.

Most of the pupils received glowing reports and many were invited back, including 11-year-old Stephanie Sanchez who spent the day working at Toys & Stuff in Hamilton.

Staff were so impressed with her performance that they actually called the school to inquire as to whether or not they should pay Stephanie for her work.

“When I first got there, I got my own apron and helped fix up the shelves, brought toys upstairs and helped arrange them on shelves and also did some pricing,” she said.

Stephanie said she didn't get bored doing the same thing all day and would consider a job in retail when she left school.

Sierra Reid, 14 simply switched schools for the day when she visited Northlands Primary to shadow a P2 teacher.

“I love children and they love me. I had so much fun and definitely want to be a teacher,” she said.

Sierra spent the day helping the teacher and helping the pupils, mostly five and six-year-olds, with their work.

“I think I'll make a wonderful teacher because I connect with children and they just love me,” she said.

But Sierra does not want to work here in Bermuda when she qualifies.

“I want to study and work in the States because teachers there make more money,” she said - looking around to make sure no teachers had heard her.

CocoReef will never be the same after 11-year-old Calvin Steede spent the day in the kitchen with Chef De Partie Ben Villaren making breakfast for guests.

Calvin said he enjoyed his day at the hotel so much, he definitely wants to go back.

“I did breakfast, which was like bacon and eggs and then I went with staff to count sheets and blankets and towels and then got to do lunch,” he said.

When asked whether his parents now insisted he make them breakfast at home, he was quick to say “no”, but added that he couldn't wait to go back to a hotel and do it all again.

He also gave himself a glowing report. “I did such a good job, they want me back,” he said.

His enthusiasm was matched by Tania Bolarinho, 12, who spent the day at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

“I was shown around and got to touch some of the animals before I washed the windows and walkway and the animals' dishes. It was fun seeing all the animals and touching them and learning all about them,” she said.

Tania said she wanted to study to become a zoologist or a vet and wanted to spend some time working alongside a vet, but because she was too young, she wasn't allowed to.

“But I will try again next year,” she said.

She said she would have loved to have worked at Dolphin Quest, but it was too far from home and her mother didn't want her taking the ferry by herself.

“I think the programme is a great idea and I'm looking forward to taking part again next year,” she said.

One of the pupils who did get to go to Dolphin Quest for the day was Dominique Mayho who said the most memorable moment was getting to brush the dolphins' teeth.

“They have a lot of teeth,” he said with a toothy grin, adding that they had to use regular toothbrushes, so it took a long time.

Dominique said he also got to play with the dolphins and feed them and wanted to go back again next year if Dolphin Quest would let him.

One 12 year-old who knows exactly what he wants to do with his life is Lorenzo Estepa-Cooke who spent the day with the law firm Mello, Jones and Martin.

“I want to do criminal law,” he said, adding that he spent the day with a lawyer researching Acts and cases and also got to be in court to see lawyers in action.

“After CedarBridge I want to go to Oxford to do my pre-law,” he said with an air of confidence rarely found in 12-year-olds.

Lorenzo said the programme was interesting and rewarding in that it gave pupils the kind of insight they needed when considering a future occupation.

“It broadened my horizons,” he said, adding that he was hoping to return to the law firm in the summer and perhaps get some work experience. Lorenzo said he would need a suit for the summer job, his first of many in years to come.