Digital Media Coordinator Joe Chacon and Signal Instructor Clint Jonas participated in Sawyer Elementary’s career day March 5.

The Chicago school is home to more than 2,700 students, grades kindergarten through eighth grade.

The duo addressed classes in 15-minute blocks, adjusting their presentation to different age groups.

“Seeing the kids light up when they saw us in our PPE was great,” Jonas said. “It’s a different type of education showing them what we do.”

The children were engaged and asking questions. For older children, a six-minute video was played. It was produced by Chacon and features Transportation Clerk Car Operations Alyssa Mendez, a former conductor. It details her journey at the Belt, showcasing the company’s commitment to employee development and ability to provide a broad range of opportunities.

“I hope we were able to make working at the Belt attractive for local kids and that they become railroaders in the future,” Jonas said.