ADA, OK - Today hundreds of Pontotoc County middle schoolers learned more than just the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, the students attended the county's first ever Career Discovery Day.

Educators said eighth grade is the perfect time to get students thinking about their future and today the Ada Jobs Foundation invited over 400 Pontotoc County eight graders to explore their options.

The county's very first Career Discovery Day was held at East Central University in Ada.

Eighth graders from all seven public schools in the county attended.

Representatives from 17 different careers fields, ranging from business to dentistry to construction, where there to share their experience.

Students were able to learn about three of their four top careers choices.

Oklahoma State Senator Susan Paddack said, "I woke up at 2 this morning just so excited about the possibilities of today. When you see the children ask great questions, you can see those wheels turning you can see they are thinking about their future and they way you get to a successful future is to plan for it."

Senator Paddack said she hopes to make Career Discovery Day an annual field trip for Pontotoc County 8th graders.