POST FALLS — Eye contact, a firm handshake and confident conversation. 

High school seniors in the Post Falls School District pitched their passion for careers such as firefighting, teaching, engineering and social work at a reverse job fair Wednesday.

“Every year, we have new volunteers who leave feeling inspired by the students they meet,” Chamber President and CEO Christina Petit said.

The fair, in its 19th year, is a partnership of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Post Falls School District. It was held at the Post Falls campus of Real Life Ministries. 

Caleb Jimerson is looking forward to playing baseball at Ranger College in Texas next year but plans to become an elementary school teacher.  

“My mom’s an elementary school teacher and just seeing how she impacts the lives of everybody around her and her coworkers, it’s inspiring,” he said. “I’d like to follow in her footsteps and impact the next generation.” 

His goal is to teach third to sixth graders because there’s a lot of development going on.  

“It's when I think there’s the most impact on their educational careers, whether they’re going to be hating school going into middle school or excited for new opportunities,” he said. 

Petit said the job fair equips students with the skills to help them transition into their dream careers.   

“The students will be well prepared to move onto the next level once they graduate high school and have real world practical experience with interviewing, resume-making and interpersonal skills that will help them be successful in the business world,” Petit said. 

Senior Bekah Preston is considering a business degree at North Idaho College. Her goal is to run her own business and become a real estate agent.

She enjoys talking to people and learning about the difficulties and benefits of the industry from her father, who is a real estate agent.

“He tells me it’s very inconsistent with money, but it’s your efforts that show in your pay at the end of the day,” Preston said. “It’s a lot of hard work that you put into it, a lot of drive and I like that kind of motivation.”

    Caleb Jimerson is excited to play baseball next year at Ranger College, but he has plans to eventually become an elementary school teacher like his mother.