The challenges of the COVID-19 are varied and many. Traditional programmatic opportunities are met with an unfortunate reality of postponement or cancellation. One such program is Career Days at our local Elementary, Middle, and High School. These days serve our youth population to give them a glimpse of the career options within our local community. In a recent post by America's Promise, the organization stated, "Students who are involved in career exploration are more likely to plan their high school courses of study carefully to gain the skills they will need. Students participating in career exploration programs as middle-schoolers are more likely to enroll in higher level math courses in high school and have higher self esteem." Although this information doesn't consider elementary students, the importance of youth seeing a variety of career opportunities is important to goal-setting and the early proliferation of skills toward a unique career path. 

To provide some relief of the complication of the current novel coronavirus era, provide a unique resource for administrators and educators, and reach beyond the scope of local careers, the Garrard County 4-H Youth Development Agent created a series of videos called "4-H Career Conversations." These conversations are one-on-one, virtual meetings with representatives of different careers locally and throughout Kentucky. So far, a Police Detective, Occupational Therapist, Biologist, Botanist, Wilderness Survival School Instructor, Professional Photographer, Minister, Herpetologist, Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, and our State 4-H Program Leader. Each "conversation" is built around a consistent baseline of questions about the personal background of the individual, education requirements of the chosen career, challenges and joys of their career field, and available youth opportunities or important preparation points for future interest. 

All of the videos have been posted to a YouTube page managed by the Garrard County Cooperative Extension Service. At this point, as this is an ongoing project, the cumulative views have reached more than 250 with the highest viewed interview being the herpetologist with 46 individual views. Additional feedback from viewers comment on the thoroughness of the educational requirements by the interviewees and the explanation of the joys and challenges give some insight into whether or not it may be a viable career for a student watching.