SLIPPERY ROCK — Nick Neupauer shared his personal career path with ninth graders at Slippery Rock High School Monday as an example of how interests and careers can change over time.

Neupauer, president of Butler County Community College, graduated with a degree in journalism and said he quickly learned that being a sports reporter wasn't for him after he realized he would never be able to attend a Steelers game as a spectator. He also wasn't happy about working every weekend to cover high school sports, because he knew he wanted a family he could spend time with during the evenings.

"How I ended up changing from a sports writer to a college professor is that I morphed my skills into something different," Neupauer said.

Neupauer and Pattie Bajuszik, director of admissions at BC3, spoke to about 14 ninth grade students during a career class at the high school to give them information about choosing a college and a career that fits their skills and passions.

Bajuszik compared shopping for a career like shopping for a pair of blue jeans.

"One style and one size doesn't fit everyone," Bajuszik said. "The best advice is to find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it. That's my hope for all of you."

Bajuszik also shared her own experiences working for an insurance agency earlier in her life, which was a job she did not like or enjoy at all. She urged the students to think about what they want in a career and to try to decide by looking at their favorite classes.

"I define a career as something that becomes a major part of who you are," Bajuszik said.

Bajuszik also told the students to talk to family, friends, guidance counselors and teachers to explore career interests, along with job shadowing. She told the students they should start planning now to ensure future success and also gave them information about programs at BC3.

"Have some goals for yourself because if you plan them and write them down, you are far more likely to achieve them," Bajuszik said.

Elma Anschutz, library media specialist and career class teacher at the high school, said a couple classes would get a chance to hear the presentation.

"It gets their eyes open to what's available to them," Anschutz said.