Twenty-six presenters representing a variety of professions gave students an inside look at their careers and the skills they’ll need to get there when Oleander Elementary School held its Third Annual Career Day.

Many of the presenters were employees at the Fontana Unified School District, representing a handful of the positions that keep our district running:  Alex Alvarez - Director of Certificated Human Resources, Abby Mendoza – Fiscal Analyst, Claudia Gomez and Alexi Adams – School Psychologists, Jess Arredondo and Adam Mayorga – Painters, Claudia Arellano – Computer Technician, and Gracie Ramirez – Bus Operator.

Two of the other occupations work closely with animals but couldn’t be more different.  Officer Justin Moyer of the Fontana Police Department brought along his K9 partners, Jaris, who helps him “sniff out” bad guys, contraband, and explosives. Dr. Lori Johnstone, a Veterinarian, was accompanied by her own dog who helped her demonstrate how she conducts physical examinations on her furry, four-legged patients.

Other presenters included: Dr. Frank Miranda – Principal, Judge Gassner, Keven Beecher – Computer Programmer, Salvador Rodriguez – Real Estate Broker, Leticia Ortiz – Civil Engineer, Steve Diaz – Alternative Media Specialist, Richardo Gonzalez – Management, Patricia White – Social Worker, Sheema Aamer – Anesthesiologist, Ricardo Vargas – Coordinator of Transfer Resource Center, Rebecca Sandoval and Anna Lopez-Perez – Arrowhead Credit Union, Lisa Franklin and Chris Pepper – Nestle, and DeShae Rushing – Lecturer from Cal State San Bernardino.

In addition to giving the students an overview of their profession, the presenters explained how they use the skills they learned in school (like reading, writing and mathematics) to do their jobs.  Officer Moyer said that part of his job responsibilities is to write-up reports and read other officers’ reports.  Ms. Mendoza said that mathematics is very important in her position as the Fiscal Analyst working with student attendance reports. “If I were to make a mistake,” she said, “it would hurt the schools and students, because our district gets money based on the state reports I am responsible for.”

Ms. Adams explained to the students that many professions, such as hers, require additional years of education after graduating from high school.  She emphasized that that the more education the students receive, the more money they will be able to make in their future positions.  “If you don’t go to college,” she said, “you won’t have as many choices.”

Principal Gorge Santiago was very pleased with his school’s Third Annual Career Day event.  “Career Day exposed students to a variety of professions, as well as inspiring them to work toward a specific goal.”

.

---

Please address questions, comments, and suggestions regarding this web site to: webmaster@fusd.net