Abigail Miller does not know who she wants to be when she grows up, but she likes knowing what is out there in the world for her.

Abigail, a fourth-grader from Myrtlewood Elementary School, was one of nearly 1,000 students from the area to see careers up close during “E-Day,” where students toured the University of Alabama to examine different engineering programs.

During the tour, students saw what opportunities are available in different fields, from aerospace to chemical engineering.

“Everyone here today is here to help you see what engineering is all about, so please feel free to ask questions, be curious and explore all of the different types of engineering you will see,” engineering students Lizzy West and Blythe Johnston wrote in a program published for the students.

Abigail said she has always been interested in math and science, but had never considered engineering as a career for herself.

“We’re learning about stuff out here you would not be able to see in a classroom,” Abigail said.

Abigail and other students are part of GATE, or Gifted and Talented Education program, that caters to students’ interests and exposes them to careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Jodi Williams, gifted specialist in the program, said days like “E-Day” go a long way toward nurturing children’s ideas about the world.

“It opens the door of opportunity for them to learn about things they did not know as well before,” Williams said.

William Wallace, a fifth-grader at Englewood Elementary School, said he would like to be an engineer one day because so many facets of the field are fascinating.

“It’s all really cool,” he said.

In addition, William said he liked the change of pace from being in an Englewood classroom to walking around on campus at UA.

“It makes me feel like I’m one of them,” he said.

For William, “E-Day” was an empowering experience.

“It’s empowering to see this kind of thing in education,” she said.

Reach Drew Taylor at drew.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0204.