By Darrell Halen

Gathered in the auditorium of Salem High School for the kickoff of this year’s Sophomore Career Exploration Day, 10th-graders learned about the work of one of New Hampshire’s top officials – Attorney General Kelly Ayotte.

While taking questions from students, Ayotte said that some of the most rewarding jobs can be found in the public sector. Every day, she’s excited to go to her job.

“The work is interesting and rewarding,” Ayotte said. “To do something bigger than yourself is rewarding.”

She also depicted a realistic picture of the work of a prosecutor. Trial work can take a long time, instead of the fast pace students see on “CSI” and other TV shows, she said.

Ayotte came to the school on Wednesday, Jan. 9. This was the 13th year that the school has held a career day for its sophomores.

According to Linda Michalczyk, the school’s community liaison, the event helps students understand the education and skills they need for careers they’re interested in, so they can make good choices about what courses to take during the next two years.

Ayotte encouraged students to “job shadow” someone who works in the career they are thinking of pursuing.

“Ask to spend a day with them so you know what the job is really like,” she said.

And find out what kind of education and training you need to reach your goals, Ayotte added.

She also encouraged the students to not slack off in school, and to make wise choices. Avoid making wrong choices that will adversely affect your life, she said.

“Don’t close those doors,” Ayotte said. “What you do today does matter.”

Haley Brown, 16, said after Ayotte’s talk that it was inspiring to hear from someone who holds a powerful position.

Next, the students boarded school buses and traveled to Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Mass.

There, they each attended a pair of workshops. Each covered a particular field where local people talked to the students about their work in that area.

The workshops covered a wide range of fields, including construction, engineering, food service, criminal justice and the performing arts.

Students also attended a college fair, where about 30 schools were represented, and a panel featuring representatives of two- and four-year colleges, the military, and an employer: United Parcel Service.