Suffolk Reporter

The William Floyd High School's "Real Estate Reality" class, led by business teacher and licensed realtor Lee Cillo, recently hosted three professionals from the real estate industry. These experts shared their career experiences and insights with students, providing a practical view of working in real estate.

This half-credit course is available to juniors and seniors, offering an overview of the real estate industry. It aims to provide foundational knowledge that can assist students in making career decisions after graduation. The curriculum covers topics such as real estate math, ethics, contracts, and various career pathways.

Students were encouraged to engage with the speakers by asking questions, which led to candid discussions in an interactive environment.

Stephanie Salvo, an agent with Shine Realty and one of the guest speakers, shared her personal motivation for pursuing a career in real estate. She brought her young daughter along and highlighted the importance of a flexible schedule that allows her to balance personal responsibilities with professional success. Her story resonated with many students.

Lee Cillo remarked on the significance of having industry professionals speak to students: “Having a forum where the students are able to hear from full-time real estate professionals holds a lot of weight with them,” she said. “Real estate is a fascinating industry and one that can be lucrative with some hard work."

Senior student A’Jiah Broughton expressed appreciation for the opportunity: “I enrolled in the real estate class as an opportunity to grow my knowledge in the real estate field," she said. "I felt the guest speakers were very informative as they ended up opening my eyes to a pathway I had not considered."

The engagement emphasizes William Floyd High School's commitment to offering practical experience and guidance for students exploring future careers.

Jackie Giacalone, chairperson of William Floyd High School's business department, noted: “The guest speakers significantly enhanced the educational experience for our real estate students,” she said. "Their expertise provided invaluable insights into the industry."

Special thanks were extended to Ed Shine from Shine Realty; Stephanie Salvo from Shine Realty; and Theresa Wright from Nationwide.