The annual College and Career Fair for Noli students in grades 6-12 was hosted at the Soboba Sports Complex on Oct. 8. Holding the event in the fall gives all students the opportunity to learn about the requirements of a variety of careers as well as colleges that offer incentives for Native American students so they can plan their educational journeys accordingly.
Before a blessing was given by Damon Miranda, who was also representing Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc. as a peer recovery specialist, Noli Indian School Principal Donovan Post welcomed everyone. He encouraged students to ask questions of the vendors present because it’s never too early to think ahead about what they want to do after graduation. He also shared a little bit about his own experience.
“I did not think I’d be a school principal when I was your age,” he said. “One day you are all going to go off and do amazing things and we are going to be able to say we had a small part in that process.”
Guest speaker Christian Aceves, Environmental Director for the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department, said he too was on a different path when he was in high school. His advice to the young students is to follow their passions.
“How can you align those passions with some goals and make some money along the way?” he asked the young people. “Your passion is a direction. Having goals is what gives you the road map to get to it.”
Aceves shared that he graduated from college right when the pandemic hit, which was probably the worst time to be trying to enter the job market. He took a risk and a leap of faith moving to an area that was hiring despite being 10 hours away. Moving to another area gave him the opportunity to learn new things that opened up doors, meet people and make connections.
He urged the students to visit as many vendors as possible and learn about them because it may spark an interest. “That one decision I made to push myself to get outside of my comfort zone is what opened up those doors and allowed me to be where I am today,” Aceves said. He reminded students that they didn’t have to have their futures all figured out today, but they should understand their passions so they can follow them to meet their goals.
Several returning vendors were happy to share their experience and knowledge with the students. Some attending for the first time received a lot of interesting questions from the teens, who expressed curiosity about their various industries or college offerings.
Noli senior Aisha Kabeer visited many of the tables to gather information and ask questions although she has already planned to become an astrophysicist. “I’ve always been curious about space since I was around six or seven years old and saw a space music video,” said Aisha, who plans to attend the University of Oxford. She originally thought she would be an astronaut. “But I realize I don’t want to just watch stars; I want to know how they work.”
Science teachers Sabrina Smith and Jay Dagostino are both former SeaWorld employees and brought lots of photos, samples and marine biology items to share. Aisha said she enjoyed their presentation on the subject, but she doesn’t like being in the ocean. “I’d rather go up,” she said.
There were about 10 Soboba departments represented, from Human Resources to Public Safety. Soboba Tribal Preschool Director Lenora “Ponie” Mojado and Administrative Assistant Maria Hernandez shared hands-on activities for those that might consider going into the field of child development and teaching.
Several colleges outlined their enrollment process and what assistance they offer incoming students, especially those that are Native American. About 10 industry representatives were on hand to show how many different positions are available within their particular companies.
Troy and Kara Adams and their son Truly had a constant crowd around their display representing Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside and Troy Adams Coaching. They willingly explained six different career paths that are available in their field, including kart and small engine repair, marketing, art and design, and administration. Truly, 16, a Formula 4 racing driver and karting champion, shared his life as a professional athlete. Troy said young people who serve as racers, mechanics, and in other roles, are able to travel all over the world through opportunities made possible with motorsports.
Employees of Soboba Fire and Public Safety were stationed outside the sports complex where they displayed vehicles and equipment used in their daily duties. The students interacted with the officers as they asked them questions such as what a typical day entailed and what the most difficult part of their jobs are.
Matthew Castellanos has been in the U.S. Navy for six years. Originally from the San Jacinto Valley, he was glad to return to manage the Hemet recruiting office. He has previously served as a diesel mechanic in Japan. He was sharing information about the college NROTC program that provides scholarships to students who can enlist as officers after graduating. Castellanos also stressed that the Navy is not just about sea but also about land and air, so there is a wide selection of career paths.
Representatives from the Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health clinic at the Soboba Reservation enthusiastically discussed the career steps it took to get to their current positions in healthcare. Elizabeth Martinez has been a dental assistant for 13 years, mostly at this location. “I love getting to know the patients and seeing the kids grow up,” she said. “I really wanted to be a nurse, but I knew I liked the dental field and I’m happy I pursued it. It’s a great way to meet people and you’d be surprised what a fun environment it is.”
Racole Hardy is a dental hygienist, after starting out as an assistant 28 years ago. “I saw the rapport the hygienist had with the patients, and I wanted to be that person,” she said. “I love to educate the public on dental health.” Hardy attended school in Maryland and previously worked at Camp Pendleton. She spoke to students about the benefits of her work which allows independence and financial freedom. She especially enjoys the respect she receives from staff and patients.
The office of Riverside County District 5 Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez was represented by UCR college student Lionel Ramos, who began his county career through the Youth Community Corps program where he developed skills in communication and public engagement. Through his involvement in community events, he gained a new appreciation for public service and that is what he shared with the students.
Noli teacher Sonia Modesto, who helped facilitate this year’s fair, said her original career choice was to become a nurse. This is one reason why she wanted to give students the chance to explore avenues they may not have thought about before or will remember in the future should their interest and/or plans change. Although her original career plan didn’t materialize, the ability to be a nurturing and compassionate listener serves Modesto well in her role with special education students. This helps students realize they can take their passions and skills in directions they may not have even known about before this event.
