Plenty of careers to choose from

Christine Carrillo

The jazz sounds of acclaimed saxophonist Eric Marienthal resonated

in an upstairs classroom, competing against the horn of a North

American big rig truck that bellowed across the blacktop. Each

represented just a small part of the professionals that gave nearly

280 students at St. Joachim School in Costa Mesa a chance to step

into bigger shoes on Tuesday.

For more than 10 years, St. Joachim has hosted a career day that

brings representatives from a variety of professions in the community

to talk to the students and maybe just inspire them in the process.

The afternoon event was one of the most eclectic yet.

“This is Catholic Schools Week and this year’s theme is Making a

World of Difference, so we want them to learn about professions that

make a difference in the world,” said Rachel Martinez, the school’s

principal. “We wanted every student to see and be exposed to a

variety of different careers ... And hopefully it plants a seed.”

Students in fourth through eighth grade rotated between their

three chosen stations while first- through third-grade teachers

ushered their classes from one station to another. The

pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students had a little more free

reign as they got to walk around the black top and get a closer look

at the Costa Mesa fire truck, the big rig, a revved up 1967 Ford

Fairlane and the well-accessorized lifeguard station.

“It was fun,” said 13-year-old Cora Busby, who attended the

florist, marketing and photography stations. “I liked seeing all the

careers and what they do ... I liked the photographer because my dad

is into photography and I like taking pictures.”

While Cora found herself inclined to follow in her father’s

footsteps, kindergartner Kristin Watanabe doesn’t see herself doing

the same.

“I don’t want to be a doctor,” she said. “I want to work at

Disneyland.”

Even though Kristin didn’t find her father’s presentation the most

inspiring, many of the first-graders actively listening to the

general practice physician were very intrigued.

“The biggest thing about trying to find a career is finding

something you really care about,” said Mitchell Watanabe, whose

skeletal props were very well-received.

Organizers of the event tried to make sure that the students had a

plethora of interesting options to choose from, whether it be a

ceramic and graphic artists or a martial arts instructor,

“Almost everybody I recruited does business in Costa Mesa,” said

Jeanne Tarazevits, a parent of a first-grader who helped organize the

event. “We ignored the boring professions like me, I’m an accountant

and that’s not very interesting or visual.”

Although each career station offered students something a little

different, the purpose of their presence focused on relaying the same

message.

“If you enjoy something that’s what you should do,” said

Marienthal, a former Corona del Mar High School graduate. “Just

because a career is unusual it certainly still is an obtainable

goal.”