When you were in eighth grade, did you know what you wanted to do with the rest of your life?

Ring Lardner Principal Doug Langmeyer said a majority of eighth-grade students today do not.

“We need them to start thinking more about tomorrow,” he said.

Ring Lardner Middle School invited 18 professionals to speak to students Monday about career opportunities in the fields of math and science.

Each student chose three professionals to listen to for a half an hour each.

Local dentist Darrin Gourlay was among the speakers.

“When I was sitting where you are today in eighth grade, I knew I was going into dentistry,” Gourlay said during one session.

Other speakers included local meteorologist Cindi Clawson, local electrician/machinist Phil Langer and Kevin Kosten with the Michigan State Police.

Guests spent the morning talking about their job and what type of education they needed to get to where they are today.

“We wanted to show the kids there are a lot of opportunities out there,” said science teacher Sean Banyon.

“We are trying to put in kids minds that we are here for a reason, and everything you do now is either going to open or close doors for you in the future,” Langmeyer said.