MOCK FUNERALS OFFER VALUABLE INFORMATION

Death and funerals are a difficult topic but many know it’s something that needs to be addressed. Mt. Hood’s Funeral Services Education program is helping the community by making this topic a little more easy to talk about.

On Tuesday, March 5, a Mock Funeral Arrangement event will be held at MHCC. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Town & Gown Room (above the Student Union Fireplace Gallery), will let students, faculty, and community members preview funeral arrangement services. 

Arranged by part-time instructor and program assistant Terri Makinson and the second-year students in the Funeral Services Education program, the day allows those second-year students to act like funeral directors and practice their future career work with real families/individuals. 

Guests can learn what goes into planning a funeral or service, as well as review options for transportation, cemetery arrangements, funeral and memorial products, any paperwork, and even review “green” funeral and burial options.  

Walk-ins are welcomed but guests are encouraged to schedule an appointment for Tuesday, allowing the students to prepare for the number of people that may attend. Those interested may do so by emailing [email protected], or call/text Monica at 360-980-0216. Refreshments will be provided. 

Makinson has helped to plan this same event for eight years now, with the help of the second-year students. She says pursuing a career in funeral services can be very difficult academically, but even more difficult in an emotional way.

After comprehending the many topics a students needs in order to be a funeral director, Makinson said, “The one thing students really master is to become very compassionate. A lot of students don’t go into this program for money; most of them are actually here to serve others.”  

Zoe Barton, second-year FSE student, has always been interested in what goes into planning a funeral. She said attending a Mock Funeral event is really important, especially if you have no idea of what to do in a situation of that kind.

“I feel like people don’t know all the options there are out there, like cremation, burials, and all the different pricings for everything,” Barton said. “Attending the Mock Funeral will give many people information they probably didn’t even think they needed.” 

The FSE program is a restricted program, meaning there are only a certain number of spots available. Second-year students have to pass the national board test to be able to graduate; passing the test will certify them nationally.

There are other hurdles for students, Makinson said.

“Many students may feel very challenged especially if they are young or have not experienced what a funeral feels like, but I have seen many students learn that to take care of someone after they die is actually an honor,” Makinson said.

She pointed out the importance for community members who participate in the event, also.

“Even though it’s a difficult topic, we will all have to deal with a situation like this someday,” Makinson said. “The Mock Funeral can take (away) the negative stigma of death. The more someone can see this kind of event, the more information they can have, and at the end… information is power.”

She said she’s noticed over the years that a lot of Mock Funeral visitors have walked out feeling positive, after all the information they received.