This clip relates to numerous content standards from the Ohio Department of Education curriculum for Social Studies education, including:

• Economics and Financial Literacy Content Statement #11: Income is determined by many factors including individual skills and abilities, work ethic and market conditions.

 

Abstract:

Evan Morse was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, but has established and maintained quite a presence in the city of Cleveland. During his early years, he was employed by several veterinary clinics as an overnight caretaker, which further developed his deep love for animals. He studied veterinary medicine at Tuskegee University during the 1960s and became involved in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he participated in the march from Selma to Montgomery. In 1968 Dr. Morse was only one of three African American veterinarians in the state of Ohio, and in 1972 he opened his own clinic, the Warrensville Animal Center. Dr. Morse still owns and operates the hospital to this day, and is involved in Cleveland organizations such as the Natural Museum of History and Cleveland State University. In this interview from September 2014, Dr. Morse describes how he developed his skills and passion relating to the field of veterinary medicine. He recounts how several other animal doctors mentored him and helped foster his abilities, so that he too could become a competent and compassionate veterinarian.

Potential Classroom Applications:

Educators can use this interview clip to teach students about pursuing skills that will aid in a future career. Mr. Morse provided an excellent example of a driven young person who was willing to engage in hard work in order to achieve his career goals; thus, students can learn from this example to help pursue their passions and ambitions. The University of Kent UK provided a detailed list to help those seeking to improve their job skills, and combined with the clip above, provides students with several excellent suggestions about how to prepare themselves for any career they desire to pursue.

This clip can also be used within a classroom to help students understand the impact of a mentor in being successful in a later career.  Whether a student decides they want to teach, become a veterinarian, or an engineer, there is great value is seeking out mentors and knowledgeable guides that can aid that student in gaining skills related to the job. A mentor can also provide a student with advice about a particular profession that may not be commonly understood or advertised. Thus, this interview clip can help students understand the importance in finding a skilled and trusted individual within their chosen job field to mentor and guide them through the nuances of that career.