A teacher, baker, artist or engineer – these are just a few of the careers that students can imagine themselves in within the first few pages of the Career Coloring & Activity Book created by students at the University of Mary Washington.
“As kids, we all dreamed of what we would be when we were older,” said Lexi St. John a junior majoring in studio art at Mary Washington, who can now add coloring book author and illustrator to her resume. “Whether we wanted to explore space or the deep sea, these dreams grew and helped shape our childhoods to be what they were. This coloring book uses art to prove that these dreams can become reality.”
Throughout the 40-page publication, the UMW students sketch a variety of possible professional pathways, many unique to the region and surrounding areas, from the UMW campus to the City of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline and King George counties through Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster, Essex, King and Queen, King William, Middlesex, Gloucester and Mathews.
In addition to coloring, activities include quick math problems, open space for drawing and interactive pages. Fred the cardinal, a character developed to showcase Virginia’s state bird, makes frequent appearances, guiding young readers through the pages. Those coloring the book can also see themselves as a crabber, CEO, warehouse manager, tulip farmer, naval officer, nurse, park ranger or college student.
“I illustrated in the Career Coloring and Activity Book to inspire curiosity and encourage children to explore career paths they might never have considered,” said junior business administration major Killian Petty. “This project allowed me to reconnect with my own inner child and reignite my passion for drawing. Seeing the finished book was a proud moment, knowing it could spark imagination and education in young minds. I am so grateful to have been a part of this project!”
The four UMW students who created the book benefitted from the project too, adding it to their portfolios and learning from each other.
“It has been such a privilege to work with my peers to help collaborate on a project! I learned so much from everyone and now I have a great submission for my professional portfolio,” said MacKenzie Martin, a junior majoring in studio art and minoring in business administration.
Kyra Donlon, a sophomore majoring in English literature, noted the details and development of the project. “My favorite part of this internship has been getting direct feedback from other students and learning from everyone’s various art styles. I’ve definitely improved a lot this year because of their help,” Donlon said.
The coloring book is a free resource for students, families, schools, libraries and community centers, and can be downloaded directly. Print copies are also available.
The project was funded by a Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) grant.
“For months, these emerging professionals collaborated to research, develop, illustrate and refine this Career Coloring and Activity Book and I could not be more proud,” said Antoinette Jenkins, director of Rappahannock Work and Learn Collaborative. “Thanks to all their hard work, we are now able to share this resource in digital and print formats with schools and libraries throughout GO Virginia Region 6. I am grateful to the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership for the funding that made it possible to pay our talented students for their creation.”
Get your digital copy of UMW’s Career Coloring and Activity Book online.