LYNN – Students got some practical advice about the future Wednesday during Classical High School’s first-ever career fair.”My advice, no matter what interests you, is that once you decide, start focusing and build a resume in that direction to make yourself more marketable than the average person,” said State Trooper Chuck Luise to a crowd of curious students.The State Police was just one of nearly 30 businesses, agencies, schools and professionals that came out to woo and educate students on what a career in their respective field would be like.view a photo gallerySenior Marcus Garraud said he knows being a trooper is what he wants.”I’ve always wanted to do it since I was little,” he said. “I think it’s just the whole upholding justice thing.”School Committee member Charlie Gallo said the event was largely student-driven and put together by the Lynn Youth Council. He said students from Lynn English and Classical noted that students at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute have several options to meet and work with local businesses, but they don’t.”This was the kids’ idea,” he said.Universal Technical Institute, which boasted a connection with NASCAR, Army and Marine recruiters, and a group from North Shore Medical Center drew crowds at their tables.”We have the best candy,” quipped Roger Conant from NSMC’s orthopedic and endoscopy department. “Seriously, we do.”Pharmacy tech Nary Pho said she believed money was driving students their way but her colleague Sotharo Bun had an even stronger selling point.”I like what I do,” she said. “I’ve been doing it for six years and I don’t think I will ever not like it.”Some students knew what they wanted in life. Angelina Calnan has her eye on a marketing career, Maroua Mejdi wants to be a nurse, Amanda LeBlanc is also leaning toward nursing or maybe education. Many students, however, were like junior Gui Antoine and had no idea where they were headed post graduation.Antoine gingerly fingered a large axe on a table in front of Lynn Fire Inspector Darrell Murkinson.”Is that real?” he asked.”Absolutely,” said Murkinson, handing him the tool.He told Antoine that firefighter gear, including an air tank, weighs 65 pounds.”That’s before you pick up a tool ?and then you have to run up the stairs and when you get there you’re going to have to pick up her and save her life,” he said, pointing to Mejdi. “You need to get to the weight room.”Classical Principal Gene Constantino said he thought the event was important because a lot of kids are like Antoine.”If we can give them the opportunity to talk about different jobs and guide their future we should be doing that,” he said. “The more experience we can give them the better.”Julie Edmonds, Classical Class of 2001, is working on her doctorate in clinical psychology. She came to the event along with three other 2001 alumni, Alysha Bingham, Tony Seaforth and City Councilor Brendan Crighton, as a way to give back to their school. Her advice was to find a mentor.Senior Mac St. Ives admitted he might need one. He said he liked the idea of joining the State Police but his parents floated the idea of joining the Coast Guard.”I don’t know what’s going on,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just trying to get through high school.”Chris Stevens can be reached at [email protected].