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.
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