My Future My Journey Reimagined: Freshmen Explore Pathways Through Immersive Career Simulations

On October 15, 2025, Hampton City Schools hosted its annual My Future My Journey Career Exploratory (MFMJ) event at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, bringing together more than 1,400 Freshman Academy students for an engaging and reimagined exploration of future academy, postsecondary, and career possibilities.

 

This year’s redesigned experience moved beyond traditional exhibits to feature interactive quadrant simulations, allowing students to sample the Academies of Hampton through hands-on learning.

 

Students rotated through four immersive career zones: Business & Information Technology, Engineering & Technology, Creative Studies, and Public Safety. Each zone was designed to showcase real-world applications of classroom learning and connect directly to high-demand career pathways. Business partners and career academies collaborated to co-design hands-on experiences that highlighted the powerful connection between the academies and industry.

 

Following the simulations, students visited College Row, which featured over 30 postsecondary partners. Our division’s education partner, Christopher Newport University, transformed their space into a realistic dorm room experience to engage and connect with young people. This innovative approach gave students a tangible glimpse into college life and sparked meaningful conversations about postsecondary readiness.

 

“Christopher Newport University is proud to partner with Hampton City Schools Academies of Hampton in creating meaningful experiences like My Future My Journey,” said Brandon Jones, senior director, school partnerships and outreach. “This event exemplifies what’s possible when education and community come together to invest in young people’s futures. By helping students explore their interests, understand their options, and see themselves on a college or career pathway.” 

 

Through this reimagined format, My Future My Journey continues to serve as a cornerstone experience in Hampton City Schools’ commitment to career-connected learning and workforce readiness, inspiring every student to chart a purposeful path toward their future. 

 

One exhibitor left sharing, “The event today was absolutely amazing! You all have some talented students with bright futures ahead of them.”