West Virginia’s First Lady Hosts Job Shadow

West Virginia First Lady Gayle C. Manchin Participates in Job Shadow Day

First Lady Gayle C. Manchin fulfilled one of America’s Promise 5 Promises on Job Shadow Day by hosting Cameron Sansom. Cameron an eighth grade student at Barboursville Middle School, Barboursville, WV spent Job Shadow Day shadowing West Virginia First Lady Gayle C. Manchin.

Cameron began his day at 8:30 a.m. with an Education Policy breakfast meeting at the Governor’s Mansion. First Lady Gayle Manchin thought Cameron’s attendance at this meeting would be a great opportunity for him since his future plans include being a K-12 teacher or a Professor in Math or Science. Following the breakfast meeting Cameron was given a tour of the renovations that are taking place on the third floor at the Governor’s Mansion which are the living quarters for the First Family. Cameron participated in a conference call with First Lady Gayle Manchin and Richard Wells from America’s Promise. The First Lady and Cameron then rode to Gassaway, WV where they attended the Mountaineer Food Bank quarterly Board of Directors meeting and had lunch. Cameron was given a tour of the facilities and stated, “They had the largest refrigerator that I have ever seen.” Upon their return to the Governor’s Mansion the First Lady and Cameron attended a 3:00 p.m. Governor’s Mansion renovations weekly project update.

Cameron stated he enjoyed his day (8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) shadowing First Lady Gayle Manchin and said he had a good time but “…there were lots of meetings!” He also stated that he learned how busy it is to be the First Lady. The First Lady stated that she loved the experience, gained a new perspective for her position and “Cameron realized very quickly that what may appear to be a “glamorous” job is actually pretty boring - meetings and phone calls - at least from the perspective of a 13 year old.”

Both First Lady Gayle Manchin and Cameron Sansom said they would participate in Job Shadow Day again and would also encourage others to participate.