By JULIANNE HOMOKAY
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
As much concern as there is right now for the economy and unemployment, none of that concern was evidenced at the recent College & Career Fair at Rim of the World High School. On Sept. 26, a gym packed full of students enthusiastically traded information about post-secondary education and career opportunities with over 55 vendors.
“I had to pull out extra tables!” said Stephanie Phillips, the event’s main organizer who had been at the school since 5:30 that morning.
Quite a few vendors represented one of the most traditional stepping stones to a career for high school graduates: four-year colleges and universities. California Baptist University, California State University, San Bernardino, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Redlands displayed their school merchandise in hopes of exciting students about the four-college experience. “They’re asking questions, which is nice,” said Jennifer Solis, the representative from the University of Redlands.
Shellie Boydston from HAFDRA demonstrates one of the many services the agency provides.
However, the four-year college isn’t for everyone. San Bernardino Valley College, Technical Employment Training and other vendors offered information about training in specific fields such as pharmacy tech, firefighting, law enforcement, skilled trades, emergency medicine, HVAC, electrical work, plumbing and more.
All four branches of the military were represented. While young men and women alike showed interest in joining the military, there was a bit of a gender divide around these tables. Young men were flocking to the Marine Corps, while young women were more attracted to the Navy.
A sight that should reassure any cynical adult about today’s youth: the Humanitarian Aid For Development and Relief Agency (HAFDRA) table enjoyed a steady stream of visitors. According to hafdra.org, the agency “was created to serve the local and international need for healthcare and education.” For graduates who can make it happen, volunteering is often an excellent path to discovering careers, making contacts and starting a resume.
Interested students had an array of careers to investigate via the professionals that participated in the event. If they wanted to be attorneys, several lawyers were on hand to talk about law. Dentists participated. Several professionals from different facilities were on hand to answer questions about the many disciplines within health care, a field that is in increasing demand in the United States. “Yes, we’re seeing lots of interest in the medical fields,” confirmed the women from Mountains Community Hospital.
Emily from “Styles By Jolayne” did in-person demonstrations and talked about cosmetology. Prospective graduates could explore careers in public agencies, forestry, financial planning and real estate. Professionals like Realtor Jaime Stiansen from Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty were happy to explain how training in one area could open up a world of possibilities. “Real estate is an industry that connects to a lot of other industries,” she said. “Lenders, escrow, contractors, designers, trades…it’s not just about selling houses.”
Jennifer Solis from the University of Redlands.
A smaller but just as enthusiastic group of vendors catered to the creative students. Brianna from Alterian Studios, a makeup and special effects firm, provided guidance to “kids who are interested in art, but don’t know how to make a living at it.” In terms of the entertainment industry, the hub of which is right down the hill, “you don’t have to be an actor,” she said. “There are so many different possibilities.”
Conner, store manager from Nick Rail music who has also taught band on the middle- and high-school level, was happy to provide guidance about “the broad scope of a career in music. Hopefully I’ll give some good advice!” he said.
Many of us have fond memories from summer jobs we did in high school, and in today’s economy, some of us still rely on seasonal employment. A few local businesses were on hand to recruit students: Big Bear Mountain Resort/Snow Valley, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa and SkyPark at Santa’s Village among them.
Juniors and seniors in high school can experience a lot of stress over that next step and pressure to figure out what they want to do with their lives. Graycen found “all the opportunities to see careers” the most helpful. “The chance to hear about real-life experience,” was valuable, said Audrey. And “they tell you what the jobs are actually like,” said Jayden.
The College & Career Fair at Rim of the World High School lasted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ben Wilkin Gymnasium. Businesses interested in participating next year may contact Stephanie Phillips at stephanie_phillips@rimsd.k12.ca.us or call (909) 336-2038.
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