Carson City employers see their shadows

When Department of Motor Vehicles director Ginny Lewis came out of her office Friday, she saw her shadow -- but it's probably not an indication spring is on its way.

Middle school students and select high school students spread out around Carson City as part of national Job Shadow Day, when students follow a professional for a day.

Lewis' shadow was Deborah Crounk, a senior at Carson High School.

"It's just amazing that I have the chance to be a part of the professional world for a day," Crounk said. "I get to be grownup for a day."

And she got a glimpse into her mother's daily life.

"I was quite excited because my mom works here," Crounk said. "It was really interesting to come here and see what she does and see basically what runs the state."

Lewis explained to Crounk the mission of the DMV to better serve the public and the plan to do so by incorporating more technology, such as the Internet.

"By coming out into the professional world, they get a feel for what we're doing," Lewis said. "And it's fun. It's a great diversion -- I hope she's not going to get too bored."

State workers and their shadows met at the capitol at 11 a.m. to discuss their experiences and kick off the first day of National Groundhog Job Shadow and Scholarship Month.

"We hope every student who participates in job shadow activities will walk away from his or her experience with renewed enthusiasm, motivation and interest in reaching future goals," said Carson High School senior Ashley Allen who shadowed Secretary of State Dean Heller.

Heller, who was scheduled to give the speech, turned it over to Allen, introducing her as "madam secretary."

Carolin Bebek, a foreign exchange student from Germany at Virginia City High School, spent the morning with Anne Hansen, spokeswoman for Western Nevada Community College.

"It was very, very interesting," Bebek said. "I got to learn a lot about the community college and what it has to offer."

She said a similar program is offered in Germany but students must seek out employers to shadow for a week.

"Here it is so cool that people offer it," she said.

Mary Pierczynski, superintendent of Carson City schools, said the cooperation from people in the work force is why the program is successful.

"It's vital for students to get out and see what's available in our community," Pierczynski said. "We have great community support and that's what makes it possible."