Shafter Students Explore New Opportunities at Annual College and Career Fair

From learning about unfamiliar professions to talking directly with professionals, students from across the Richland School District in Shafter had the chance to explore their interests and consider new possibilities today at the district’s annual college and career fair.

Joleen Macias was part of the original team of administrators who helped create the event, recognizing a need to expand college and career opportunities for students across the district. The team also saw how the COVID-19 pandemic had affected students’ social skills, particularly their ability to communicate with adults and interact with people outside their usual circles. The event was designed to help students build those skills while introducing them to a variety of career paths.

Natalie, an eighth grader at Richland Junior High, has attended the event since sixth grade. She remembers being surprised by the experience and appreciating the professionals who took time to share their knowledge.

“I know now that I have something to look forward to,” she said. “These people are being genuine with us and giving us something to learn about.”

Now a member of her school’s student council, Natalie credits the event with helping her become more comfortable speaking with others. Interacting with the professionals and administrators who participate in the career fair has helped her develop skills she now uses in her leadership role.

“It definitely helped me be more interactive with everyone,” she said. “It kind of pushed me to talk to everybody because they seem comfortable talking to us. So why not be comfortable talking with everyone else?”

For Jose Espinoza, dean of student success at Richland Junior High, this year’s event was his first. He welcomed the opportunity for students to explore careers beyond the professions they might hear about most often.

Growing up, Espinoza said, he had limited exposure to different career options and was unsure what he wanted to pursue. He hopes the event gives students an earlier start in discovering their interests, including opportunities they may not otherwise encounter, such as working at a wildlife preserve.

“I thought it was a fantastic idea to have all the kids come out and just start getting an idea of what they want to do,” Espinoza said. “There’s so much more beyond the professions students commonly hear about.”

He emphasized his hope that students would leave the event excited about their futures and continue the conversations at home, sharing what they learned with their families and siblings.

“We always say children can be impressionable,” he said. “So, let’s leave an impression with something positive.”

Three Richland School District students proudly display their completed activity sheets while exploring career opportunities at the district’s annual college and career fair.