Laura Sloan Patterson, Ph.D., associate professor, English and director of the Undergraduate Writing Program, had a shadow on Groundhog’s Day. Samantha Harris, of North Huntingdon, Pa., a junior at Norwin High School, spent Wednesday, February 2, shadowing Patterson as part of National Groundhog Job Shadow Day.

Harris selected to shadow an English professor because she plans to pursue a career in higher education.

“I am most interested in linguistics and literature,” said Harris. “This day provides me with an opportunity to learn more about teaching at the college level and helps me decide if this is something I really want to do.”

“It’s exciting and inspiring to work with local students who are interested in our profession,” said Patterson. “This is a great way for them to see what we really do behind the scenes.”

In order to participate in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day at Norwin High School, a student must be enrolled as a junior and have good academic standing and attendance. The student is required to submit an essay addressing his/her career choice and rationale.

The job shadowing program is organized by Partners in Progress, a group composed of representatives from the Norwin Chamber of Commerce and Norwin School District.