The School of Discovery Genesis Center held its first career fair Tuesday, offering students information from a variety of career professionals.

Kesia Smith works as a guidance counselor at the school and spearheaded the fair. She said she wanted to take a different avenue to help students in deciding what they want to do in life.

“Usually, I talk to students about different careers and colleges and pull up different websites to give them overviews,” Smith said.

She said she saw the difference that was made by students getting a chance to interact with professionals in their field of choice.

“I could talk to them all day about different things but when they see it for themselves or see someone doing what I have talked to them about is when it hits home and plants a seed,” Smith said.

SOD student Talandria Robinson said she felt the career fair opened her eyes to opportunities she didn’t know existed.

“I’ve learned that I have options. I can choose from many different colleges and careers instead of settling for one,” Robinson said.

Edward D. Hill is an entrepreneur who has served Selma through Hill’s Formal Wear over the last 42 years. He said he wants students to know they can live successful lives if they work hard.

“Students can learn how to set up their own businesses and how to progress,” Hill said. “They need to stay in school and get an education. Without one, success is impossible.”

There were over 20 other businesses, schools and career systems at the fair, including Concordia College Alabama, Divine Realty, Sarrell Dental and others.

SOD student Michael Lawson said he got a lot of help from the fair and enjoyed learning about career fields he could pursue. He said before attending, he thought he wanted to lead a career in sports but changed his mind after seeing other opportunities offered.

“I learned a lot. This will help me in the future to see what college I will attend and what career I will go into,” Lawson said.

SOD Career Tech Teacher Crystal Boykin said hosting the career fair gives students the advantage of knowing how to plan for their futures.

“I think it is crucial. Because we are in a rural area that is poverty-stricken, our kids are not exposed to very much,” Boykin said. “The sooner they find out about what is out there, the more time they will have to look into whatever it is they want to be.”