This 1984 episode of Jobman Caravan started with a focus on the importance of career planning by visiting a career day at a local middle school. The role of childcare specialists was also explored, and the episode wrapped up by diving into the serious issue of teenage depression. Adrienne Hayes joined Jobman Caravan for the first time as producer and co-host along side host Bill Terrell.
The opening segment highlighted career day at W.A. Perry Middle School. Both students and educators shared what they learned. One participant was excited about one particular career. "I think I would like to try engineering because it's a very open field and a lot of money, and ... they have a lot of opportunities." Other careers that drew interest were computers and nursing.
As an early start on career education, childcare development was discussed with Charlotte Ferguson of First Impression Daycare. Ferguson offered the following tips for parents seeking childcare facilities (still very relevant today):
- What is the capacity of the center? What's the ratio or how many adults per children?
- What will the facility be serving on the menu?
- Are there educational materials available?
- Are there enough materials for children to play with during the day?
- Most importantly parents should make sure that the child is wanted and cared for consistently.
To become a childcare specialist, individuals need either an associate degree in child development or a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
The last segment of this episode focused on teenage depression. In 1984, 18 young people died every day by suicide, approximately 6,500 preventable deaths each year. Around 6 million teens in the U.S. suffered from depression annually, making it a nationwide epidemic, not just a local concern. Audrey Grant, a family planning and life enrichment coordinator, provides some symptoms to watch for in teens:
- Changes in sleep patterns (e.g., excessive sleep, insomnia)
- Altered eating habits (overeating or rapid weight gain as a stress response)
With proper support from families and mental health professionals, teenage depression can be successfully treated and lives can be saved.
Side Notes
- May is National Mental Health Awareness month, but the following mental health resources on scetv.org are available all year long.
- The National Institute of Mental Health offers the following article - Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness.
- SCETV Safe Space focuses on several topics for young people like:
- Dr. Audrey Grant worked for 31 years in education. She retired as principal of Cleveland Elementary School in 2009 to pursue ministry. Grant became the first woman to be ordained by the Spartanburg County Baptist Association.
