For many high school students, deciding what to do after graduation can feel overwhelming. For Romey White, a senior from Big Walnut High School, Delaware Area Career Center offered an opportunity to explore a potential career before making a long-term commitment.
White enrolled in DACC's Digital Design program because he enjoyed photography and video production, but he wasn't ready to assume that hobby would become his career.
Instead, he saw DACC as a chance to gain hands-on experience and determine whether the field was truly right for him.
"I thought if I liked it, great. If I didn't, then I'd know before spending money on college for it," White said.
That mindset was shaped in part by his older brother, a DACC Digital Design graduate who now works in digital media. Seeing his brother's success encouraged White to give the program a try and explore the possibilities for himself.
What he found was more than he expected.
Through classroom projects, client work, leadership opportunities, and competitions, White discovered a passion for both photography and videography while developing skills he could immediately apply in the real world.
"It's opened my eyes to see how many opportunities there are in this field," he said.
One of White's favorite experiences involved creating promotional videos for other DACC programs. Working with classmates under tight deadlines, he helped produce videos that highlighted student achievements and program experiences across the career center.
The projects not only strengthened his technical skills but also gave him experience working with clients, collaborating with a team, and managing real-world expectations.
Along the way, White began building a portfolio of work, developing professional connections, and taking on creative projects beyond the classroom.
The experience confirmed what he had hoped to learn when he first enrolled at DACC: this was a field he could see himself pursuing after graduation.
Originally, White assumed he might eventually take over his family's restaurant business. Today, his plans look much different.
"DACC helped me figure out what I want to do with my future," he said.
Beyond helping him identify a career path, White says DACC helped him grow personally. Through his involvement as a Student Ambassador and BPA officer, he gained confidence and became more comfortable stepping into leadership roles and connecting with others.
"It's pushed me to do things I never thought I would do," White said.
Looking back, White believes the opportunity to explore a potential career in high school was invaluable.
Rather than waiting until college or the workforce to find out whether digital media was the right fit, he was able to gain firsthand experience, build real skills, and discover a future that excites him.
For students who are considering DACC, White's advice is simple:
"Just try it. You might discover something you never knew you'd love."
Photo Credit: Jonathan Pannebaker, Digital Design Senior
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DACC Digital Design Program
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