Susan Mifsud and her son Michael work on the Health and Wellness newsletter.

Fourteen-year-olds were a common sight on campus this week when Brock employees participated in Take Our Kids to Work Day.

More than a dozen ninth graders spent Nov. 3 seeing the work world through the eyes of a parent, relative, friend or volunteer host at Brock. They had the opportunity to experience the workplace, browse career options and learn more about the university that could one day be their alma mater.

Michael Johnson, a student at Stamford Collegiate Secondary School in Niagara Falls, spent the day with his mom Susan Mifsud, a Human Resources manager who deals with learning and development, non-academic compensation and job evaluations. In the morning, he followed her to a Weight Watchers meeting, one of the new activities organized by the Health and Wellness committee on which she sits. He also proofread the Health and Wellness newsletter.

Until this week, he thought human resources was a field of “hiring and firing and that’s it.” He has a better understanding of her job now, he said, even if it’s not the field for him.

“I got to know what she goes through on a daily basis,” he said. “I come home and complain about homework, but sitting here with her, I see what she goes through every day.”

Another observation: “She knows everyone.”

Michael said he would like to go to Brock, preferably to study Chemistry, Psychology or Classics. But with his mother a long-time employee, he’s been around the campus his entire life. He even had a pivotal moment here, but he was too young to remember.

“I was working on a Saturday,” Susan recalled, “and he took his first steps, right in my office.”

Matthew Saint-Ivany, a 14-year-old student at E. L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill, spent the day with his dad Tom, Associate Vice-President of Facilities Management. In the morning, he took a tour of Brock’s underground tunnels, and throughout the day got a closer look at the Brock campus.

Matthew would like to attend Brock, possibly to study Classics, and eventually become a professor. He doesn’t see a career in facilities management, he said.

Tom is not offended.

“I want him to do whatever’s rewarding for him and has the career and growth opportunities he’s looking for,” he said.

As for what he learned about his father after a day at work with him, Matthew said, “He’s still a really great guy.”

The day started with a short health and safety orientation, followed by presentations from Recruitment and Liaison Services and Career Services. There was also a lunch in Market Hall.

Tom Saint-Ivany and his son Matthew check out the new International Centre.