The sky’s the limit

Doug Tabbert

No amount of hocus-pocus or wishing on an evening star will lead to

interesting careers. Marine biologists, movie producers and judges,

attain their positions through a combination of elements.

KinderCaminata, a program that brings kindergarteners and their

parents to Golden West College, focuses on two of those elements --

education and goal-setting.

Underprivileged 5- and 6-year-olds from throughout Orange County,

including seven classes from Oak View Elementary School, were

recently welcomed off buses at Golden West College by 300 volunteers.

Students explored more than two dozen education and career

stations and exhibits meant to entice the young students.

The event, held in honor of Cesar Chavez, is for students to

realize as early as possible that college is accessible to everyone,

said event organizer Gail Kernahan.

Luz Ramos, a 6-year-old from Oak View, enjoyed the agriculture

station, where students raked lush black soil and sowed seeds.

“I want to be a farmer so I could grow plants and pumpkins,” Luz

said.

Professionals from an array of careers explained to students what

they do at work each day and why they do it. Police cars from

Westminster and Huntington Beach police departments were open for the

children to check out. Also, a U.S. Postal Service truck was

exhibited and the hundreds kindergartners took their turn blaring its

horn.

“I want to drive a fire truck or a rocket,” said 6-year-old Kevin

Aguilar.

Local college departments and organizations had treats for the

children and information for their parents.

Perched on a wooden podium, students received some more attention

and took a shot at giving their first speech into a microphone.

Nurses in training at Golden West showed the pupils how to check

for vital signs and gave modified check-ups.

“I want to give medicine to sick kids,” said 5-year-old Crystal

Oropeza, an aspiring doctor from Oak View.

Children were given yellow visors that read “Si, Se Puede,”

Spanish for “Yes We Can,” to take home. It is a message organizers

want the young students to be reminded of.