Learning More About Life After High School

A 75-pound German shepherd placed his front paws on a student’s desk inside a classroom last week.

“Sorry about that. He still has a lot of puppy in him,” said K-9 Officer Britain Jackman as he gently pulled down his partner, Elliott.

Both officers joined more than 100 professionals at the school’s 16^th annual Career Day last Tuesday morning.

According to Career Day organizer Stephanie Evans, presenters came from Newark, Fremont, Union City, San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno and Los Angeles.

“We want to broaden their (students’) choices,” Evans said.  “We want to help students find out about their interests and to learn more about themselves.”

Newark Memorial Principal Edward Marquez said he hopes Career Day will help students start thinking about life beyond high school.

“I hope students start making connections outside of what they know,” Marquez said. “For some students, this can be an eye-opening experience because they wouldn’t have considered these jobs until now.”

The presenters represented a diverse group of industries, from law enforcement to emerging health occupations. Seniors and juniors signed up for small group presentations on focused industries such as engineering, social services and broadcast television. Freshmen and sophomores were directed to larger presentations with topics including the Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program.

Evans says about 15 percent of Career Day presenters are Newark Memorial alums.

“They do a lot of networking for us,” Evans said. “Often times, I remember them as students and they’re excited to be here.”

East Bay Regional Parks Equestrian Officer and Special Enforcement Unit member Ben Guzman graduated from Newark Memorial in 1998. He said he enjoyed talking to students about his job at Career Day.

“I know they have a lot of choices to make in the next few years and I felt I was at least providing them with some helpful insight,” Guzman said in an email message. “I know many of their paths will not be straight lines to the career they ultimately end up in, but at least with more knowledge and information perhaps they can get to doing what makes them happy sooner, be it law enforcement or another profession.”

Evans says she hopes Career Day is a launching pad for students who want to consider jobs in law enforcement, health, informational technology and more.

“We want students to keep looking for open doors,” Evans said. She says some students keep in touch with presenters about internships and job shadowing opportunities.

Inside an English classroom, Guzman highlighted local opportunities to learn more about law enforcement.

“I volunteered at the when I was your age,” Guzman told students.

Many Career Day presenters stressed the importance of college. Dr. Jim Dhanoa told students that the college experience will help prepare them for the demands and stress of the medical profession.

“In college, besides the text books and classes, it also teaches you about life,” Dhanoa said. “It teaches you about balance.”

Other presenters, like East Bay Regional Parks Equestrian Officer James Grabowski, stressed the importance of a diverse higher education experience.

He advised students to skip the criminal justice degree.

“Everything you need to know about this job, you’ll learn on the job and in the police academy,” Grabowski said.

Grabowski and Guzman agreed that a college degree places officers in a better position for promotions.

Many presenters explained why they were passionate about their careers.

Inside a chemistry classroom, Dhanoa told students he witnesses different stages of life as a physician.

“One moment, I’m delivering a baby. Then I find myself pronouncing someone dead,” Dhanoa said. “I love what I do, working with people at all levels.”

Guzman told students that officers are aware of the dangers they face on the job.

“Everyday, I go to work, I know I may not come home,” said Guzman. “You need to make this job your life because your life is on the line.”