Center Spread - November 2010Content by Rebecca Hu

Designed by Janice Pang

n = 202

Timeline of Students’ Past Career Aspirations

“I honestly wanted to be

a Power Ranger when I

was a kindergartener.”

-Sione Taufahema (12)

“I wanted to be a con-struction worker when I was a little kid.” -Raymond Lim (12) “Cowboy”

-Nate Jordan (11)

“I wanted to be a little archeolo-gist because of the movie Juras-sic Park.” -Vinh Doan (11) “I wanted to be

an ice-cream

scooper!”-Meredith

Charlson (11)“President of the United States!”-Sungjin Moon (12)

Top Factors in Choosing

a Career

STUDENTS

1. Passion2. Money3. Skill4. Stability5. Freedom6. Helping others7. Safety8. Less stress

*On a scale of 1-5, how sure are you of pursuing this job?

3.18(n=202)

TEACHERS:

1. Passion2. Helping others3. Stability4. Skill5. Freedom6. Less stress7. Safety8. Money

*On a scale of 0-5, how interested were you in becoming a teacher in highschool?

2.9

Why do you want to pursue this job?

“I absolutely love music, and I want to move history away from limiting stereotypes. We must look past our differences and embrace all world cultures.” -Michael Jin (first Asian rock musician)

“There’s something deep inside that touches me with dancing- I can’t describe it…I love move-ment, lines, everything!” -Mariko Ishikawa (ballet dancer)

“No matter how sick you are, the more positive you are, the stronger you’ll be. I learned that through all of my own physical therapy sessions, and I would like to help others discover their own personal strength.” -Serena Chin (occupational therapist)

“Over the years, a lot of my family friends and soccer coaches had cancer and either passed away or struggled to fight it, and I want to change that.” -Ally Lim (cancer research scientist)

“Japan is becoming one of the more prominent countries in the world, and I think that teaching English there would definitely overcome the language barrier for the better.” -Abby Clemens (English teacher in Japan)

“Neurology is still an emerging field and, with the advent of new brain-imaging technology, it is constantly evolving.” -Ryan O’Donnell (neurologist)

What are your prerequisites?

“I’m in two bands- Good Friday and Kalyptra- and I’ve also invested in many cool instruments.” -Drake Cristobal (music industry)

“The woman that I interviewed for career project, Beka Brayer, told me that we could work together and swap ideas and show me her form and technique. She is involved with the San Mateo Heart of Whimsy.” -Sandra Corzantes (sculptor, whimsical assemblance)

“I volunteered at a wolf refuge in Colo-rado Springs.” -Stephanie Young (medicinal vet)

“I watch a lot of undercover agent TV shows!” -Kato Haupeakui (FBI agent)

“I worked with my aunt, who is a nurse, over the summer, and I learned how to properly carry patients out of ambu-lances.” -Chad Bolanos (nurse)

TEACHER STORIES:“One day, my high school English teacher decided to show up to class and not have an agenda planned. As a result, he had the class pick one person to run the class while studying the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. I was picked, and I did a great job at it. That was really the first time I ever realized my pas-sion and skill for teaching.” (Scott. Silton)“When I was in college, I took a class with a psychology professor about the ear. I took it because I heard it was an easy class, and I expected it to be extremely boring. To my surprise, the class turned out to be very enticing, and I really loved the way my professor taught. He made what I thought was a boring subject very interesting and fun for everyone.” (Alice Hu)“When I was a junior, I had some incredible teachers. My mother had breast cancer, but the Aragon administration, counseling, and staff were very up-lifting and helped my whole family through a hard time. I learned that school is so much more than a community- it’s a family, and it has such a powerful impact on people’s lives.” (Jennifer Condon)

“Because Mr. McGlashan was a lawyer and retired to become a teacher, I think I’ll eventually retire from teach-ing to become a lawyer.”-William Colglazier

As high school students, we are mere steps away from what is often termed “the real world.” In fact, many of us are seriously considering our college majors and even settling in on possible future occupations. However, having never expe-rienced the true life behind these jobs, we are full of expectations and not quite as full of concrete answers. So, what exactly is “the real world” like? Take a look at the answers and ad-vice from Aragon alumni.

Student Career Aspirations

EducationScientist

Medical

BusinessSocial sciencesWriter

Entertainment industrySports

Engineer/architectArts

Customer ServicesGovernment

Since when did you want to be involved in financial marketing? Iinitiallyplannedongoingtolawschool,butafterinterningata lawfirminSanFranciscoforthreesummersduringcollege,Ireal izedIwasmuchmoreinterestedinnumbersandmanagingmoney!What inspired you to think about pursuing this career path?IchosetoworkforaprofessionalfiduciarybecauseitrevolvesaroundthreethingsthatILOVE:Moneymanagementandinvesting,ProbatelawandSeniorCitizens!Were you involved in any prerequisites?MysenioryearincollegeItooktwoclassesthatIamnowfindingveryhelpful,PortfolioManagementandAccounting.Describe a typical work day.Withover40clients,ofallagesanddifferentmentalcapacities,thereisnosuchthingasatypicaldayinthisbusiness.MyjobtitleisanAccountManager,soeachdayIamsupposedreviewandreconcilebankstatementsandbrokerageaccountsandthenIworkonthecourtaccountings.What is your ultimate occupational goal?IthasalwaysbeenmygoaltogetmyMBA.IplantogetmyFiduciarylicenseandpartnerwithmycurrentemployer.Any last thoughts? CalPoly’sinfamousmottois“LearnByDoing,”andifInevertrieddifferentthings,IneverwouldhavefoundwhatIamtrulyinterestedinandgoodat.IamverythankfulthatIhaveajobwhereIwakeupeverymorningandlookforwardtogoingtowork:)

Since when did you want to become an engineer? Rightafterhighschool What inspired you to pursue the engineering path?Ireallylikedmathandscience.Contrast your past expectations with current experiences.IdomorepaperworkthanIthoughtIwouldbedoing,andIalsodoalotofinvestigation,trouble-shooting,andthingslikethat.Ihelpmaintainoneofthelines,soifthereareanyproblemsontheline,myjobistofindthemandsolvethem.What is your favorite part of your job?Thenicethingaboutengineeringisthateverydayisdifferent;youneverknowwhatproblemyou’llhavetosolvetoday.Yougettoseesomethingneweveryday.Youalsogettoworkwithalotofdiffer-entpeople,rangingfromfinancetomaterialplanningtodesigntocustomerservice.Last piece of advice?Findsomethingyoulike,continuewiththat,andstickwithit!

What inspired you to think about this career? Tryingitoutwasthebiggestthingforme.I’mto tallyasportsfanandIlikeplayingsports.Thatwas justanaturalprogressiontointothattypeoffield. Were you involved in any prerequisites?Iwaspartofthisradiostationincollege,andItooksomeclassesincommunications.What were your expectations concerning this job and what is reality?Skillsaren’tasimportant.Contactsareimportant.Describe a typical work day.Iwasabaseballbroadcasterduringsummer.Asabeginner,Ihadtosetupmusic,setupequipment,takenotes,givecoachesinfor-mation.Ikindofhadtodoeverything.It’sdifferentfromMajorLeagueorbigcollegegames.What has Aragon done to help you achieve this career path?Forme,thethingthathelpedmealotiswasjusttalkingtopeopleandtalkingaboutsportsallthetime.Whathelpedthemostiscom-municating.It’sunderrated,butveryimportant.If there is one thing that you can tell people abut Sports Broadcasting, what advice would it be?-Themostimportantthingsaretobuildagoodnetwork,researchwhatschoolyouwanttogoto,andmakesuretheyhaveastudentstation.Don’texpecttomakemoneyforafewyears.Don’tbenaïve.It’sarockyroad.Butthosepeoplewhostaythereandstayfocusedaregenuinelygoodpeople.Bepreparedtonotmakemoneyforalittlebitoftime.Doitbecauseyoulove,notbecauseyouwanttomakemoney.

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“President of the United States!”-Sungjin Moon (12)

“I wanted to be a lawyer in middle school because I loved to argue.”-Haluk Muratoglu (12)

“A dancer.”-Marie Mihara (10)“When I was in 8th

grade, I wanted to

be a video game

designer.”-Crystal Zhou (12)

“A dolphin trainer because it seemed like so much fun!”-Keaton Gee (11)

“Graphic novelist.”

-OliviaChan (10)

“A singer becausesinging hasalways been oneof my passions.”-Kirsty McBurnie (12)

Since when did you want to be involved in financial marketing? Iinitiallyplannedongoingtolawschool,butafterinterningata lawfirminSanFranciscoforthreesummersduringcollege,Ireal izedIwasmuchmoreinterestedinnumbersandmanagingmoney!What inspired you to think about pursuing this career path?IchosetoworkforaprofessionalfiduciarybecauseitrevolvesaroundthreethingsthatILOVE:Moneymanagementandinvesting,ProbatelawandSeniorCitizens!Were you involved in any prerequisites?MysenioryearincollegeItooktwoclassesthatIamnowfindingveryhelpful,PortfolioManagementandAccounting.Describe a typical work day.Withover40clients,ofallagesanddifferentmentalcapacities,thereisnosuchthingasatypicaldayinthisbusiness.MyjobtitleisanAccountManager,soeachdayIamsupposedreviewandreconcilebankstatementsandbrokerageaccountsandthenIworkonthecourtaccountings.What is your ultimate occupational goal?IthasalwaysbeenmygoaltogetmyMBA.IplantogetmyFiduciarylicenseandpartnerwithmycurrentemployer.Any last thoughts? CalPoly’sinfamousmottois“LearnByDoing,”andifInevertrieddifferentthings,IneverwouldhavefoundwhatIamtrulyinterestedinandgoodat.IamverythankfulthatIhaveajobwhereIwakeupeverymorningandlookforwardtogoingtowork:)

Since when did you want to be involved in international marketing? Eversincelastyear.What inspired you to think about pursuing this career?ItwasaselfinterestbecauseIwantedtheUStobeamoregloballysecurerelationshipandIalsowantedtomaketheworldabetterplace.What are your expectations concerning this job?Iexpecttotravelaroundtheworld,advertise,andhelpbusinessesgrowastechnologiesadvance.At what age do you expect to start working?AroundwhenIgraduatefromcollege.Iwillprobablypursueaninternshipduringcollege.

What inspired you to own a bakery? Initially,Ionlywantedtobeacakedecoratorandastay-at-homemom. Then,afterIhadmykidneyremoved,whenIwastoldthatitwouldbetooriskytohavemorechildren,Istartedtakinginfosterchildreninadditiontomyoneson.Thefosterchildrenneverhadbirthdaycakes,whichmademeverysadbecauseeventhoughIgrewuppoor,mymotheralwaysmadeusagreatcake.IdecidedtotakeacakedecoratingclassattheSanMateoRecreationDepartment,andsoonenough,Ibeganteachmyownclasses.Ialsomadecakesforallmychildren’sfriends’birthdayparties,andthisgotmeintroublewiththeSanMateoCounty,whichstatedthatIneededtohavealicensefromtheHealthDepartment.Eventually,abakerycalledtheHealthDepartmentandcomplainedthatIwasmakingmorecakesfromhomethatitwas,soIgota$500fine.Theonlywaytogetoutofitwasbyopeningabakery,andthatIdid.In1976,IopenedabakerynamedKathy’sKreativeKakesWhat is the hardest part of your job?Thehardestpartofthebusinesswaspaperworkandbillpaying.IwishIspentmoretimelearningmathinschool!Any last thoughts?Ihavegottentomakecakesforallthe49ers,Giants,Warriors,Shakira,Sienfeld,AliciaKeys,GoodMorningAmerica,TomBrady,BarryBonds,Journey,FrankSinatraetc.Butthebestcakesareformyregularcustomersthatcomeinyearafteryearandcoveralllifecelebrations,graduations,weddings,babies,andbirthdays.

Since when did you want to be a bakery owner? I’vealwayslovedbaking,butIdidn’treallyfigureoutthatIwanted toownmyownbakeryuntiljustacouplemonthsagowhenwefirst hadtochooseourcareersthisyear.What inspired you to think about pursuing this career path?TheFoodNetwork!I’vealwayslovedmakingpeoplehappy,andjustwatchingithappenonTVmadeitthatmuchmoreobvioustome.What are your expectations about this job?Longhours,toughdecisions,andahugeinvestment.Anidealworkdaywouldconsistofmestartingaround12-1amtobakeandendingataround8PMafterallthecustomersleavetocleanup.What is your favorite part about this job?Makingpeoplehappy.ItmakesmefeelgoodaboutmyselfknowingthatwhatImadewasenjoyableandthattheyarehappytospendmoneyonit.Gettingtoseethelookontheirfacewhentheyreceivethatcakehasaspecialfeelingthatnothingelsecanprovide.It’saddicting.When do you expect to actually start working?Iwanttohaveageneraleducation,attendculinaryschool,andthenjoinagraduateprogramtopursuemybusinessandentrepreneurshipdegreesoIhopetostartataround30yearsatthelatest.

Since when did you want to become an engineer? Rightafterhighschool What inspired you to pursue the engineering path?Ireallylikedmathandscience.Contrast your past expectations with current experiences.IdomorepaperworkthanIthoughtIwouldbedoing,andIalsodoalotofinvestigation,trouble-shooting,andthingslikethat.Ihelpmaintainoneofthelines,soifthereareanyproblemsontheline,myjobistofindthemandsolvethem.What is your favorite part of your job?Thenicethingaboutengineeringisthateverydayisdifferent;youneverknowwhatproblemyou’llhavetosolvetoday.Yougettoseesomethingneweveryday.Youalsogettoworkwithalotofdiffer-entpeople,rangingfromfinancetomaterialplanningtodesigntocustomerservice.Last piece of advice?Findsomethingyoulike,continuewiththat,andstickwithit!

Since when did you want to be an engineer? Thispastsummer,IvisitedmyuncleGaryandsawhis workshopandhelpedhimbuildafewprojects,whichIfoundtobealotoffun.Thesamesummer,IwenttoZAPatStanfordand,althoughthecampwasaboutcreativedesignthinking,Ifoundmyselfsolvingproblemswithamoreengineertilt.Are you involved in any prerequisites?TwoclassesI’mtakingthisyearareAPPhysicsandEngineeringandTechnology.What is your favorite aspect of this occupation?IreallylikethefactthatIgettobuildthings.What are your future steps to achieving this career goal?IreallywantedtoparticipateinthisprogramcalledEngineeringwithoutBordersincollege.Studentsgotothirdworldcountriestohelpbuildwells.IbelievesomestudentswenttoHaititobuildhousesandinfrastructureaftertheearthquake.

Since when did you want to go into the scientific field? Sincejuniororsenioryearinhighschool. What inspired you to think about this career?TakingAPBiowithMs.Wardiswhatultimatelydrovemetopursuebiology(thesexyscience,assheputit),andtakingAPCalculuswithMr.Serraoencouragedtheengineerwithin.Were you involved in any prerequisites?I’dworkedinafewsyntheticbiologylabsincollege,andhadtakenlabclassesinmicrofabricationandcell/tissueculture,soIalreadyknewthatIenjoyedworkinginalaboratoryenvironment.What is a typical work day?Atypicalworkdayofteninvolvesrunningassays,feedingcells,col-lectingdata,andtakingpicturesonthemicroscope.Also,there’squiteabitofreadingpapers,dataanalysis/presentation,andeverynowandthenengineering-relatedtroubleshooting.What is your favorite aspect of your occupation?Asidefrommymorningespresso,it’stheinnovationofmyworkthatgetsmeoutofbedinthemornings.

Since when did you want to be a scientist? Aboutayearago. What inspired you to think about this career?ItooktheBiotech1-2ClassatSMHSandamcurrentlytakingthe3-4classthere.AtAragon,IamtakingAPBiothisyear.Bothclasseshelpmetounderstandsciencemore“in-depth.”Are you involved in any prerequisites?Iamhopingtobecomeaninternforabiotechcompanythissum-merandanIR(independentresearch)studentatSMHS.What is your favorite aspect of this occupation?There’snorightorwronginlabs,(usuallyrightisbetter),andbeingwrongpromotestheideaoflearningandcorrectingmymistakes.At what age do you expect to actually start working?It’sidealtostartworkingaround30-35(I’dliketotakeoneortwoyearsofffromcollege).

What inspired you to think about this career? Tryingitoutwasthebiggestthingforme.I’mto tallyasportsfanandIlikeplayingsports.Thatwas justanaturalprogressiontointothattypeoffield. Were you involved in any prerequisites?Iwaspartofthisradiostationincollege,andItooksomeclassesincommunications.What were your expectations concerning this job and what is reality?Skillsaren’tasimportant.Contactsareimportant.Describe a typical work day.Iwasabaseballbroadcasterduringsummer.Asabeginner,Ihadtosetupmusic,setupequipment,takenotes,givecoachesinfor-mation.Ikindofhadtodoeverything.It’sdifferentfromMajorLeagueorbigcollegegames.What has Aragon done to help you achieve this career path?Forme,thethingthathelpedmealotiswasjusttalkingtopeopleandtalkingaboutsportsallthetime.Whathelpedthemostiscom-municating.It’sunderrated,butveryimportant.If there is one thing that you can tell people abut Sports Broadcasting, what advice would it be?-Themostimportantthingsaretobuildagoodnetwork,researchwhatschoolyouwanttogoto,andmakesuretheyhaveastudentstation.Don’texpecttomakemoneyforafewyears.Don’tbenaïve.It’sarockyroad.Butthosepeoplewhostaythereandstayfocusedaregenuinelygoodpeople.Bepreparedtonotmakemoneyforalittlebitoftime.Doitbecauseyoulove,notbecauseyouwanttomakemoney.

Since when did you want to be a journalist? I’vewantedtobeajournalistoratleastdosometype ofworkforNationalGeographicprobablysinceIwas around7thor8thgrade. What inspired you to think about this career?Myfamilytravelsalotandtravelingtodifferentplaces,especiallyinternational,hasbecomeoneofmymostfavoritethingstodo.IespeciallyenjoybeinginthenatureandwildernessoftheseplacesandnotthecitiesbecauseIjustfinditalotmoreinteresting.Also,I’mreallyinterestedinthedifferentculturesanddifferentwaysofinternationalplacesandpeople,butnotsomuchwithpolitics,soNationalGeographicseemedtobeajobthatcombinedbothofthemanddefinitelyseemedthemostfun.What are your expectations concerning this job?AtfirstIwouldn’texpecttohavesomeofthecoolerassignments,ofcourse,butasIgottobeaveteranworkerIhopethatIcanconstantlybetraveling.Aworkdaywouldhopefullyconsistofwakingupfairlyearlyinsomeinternationalcountry,conductingresearchandexplorationthroughouttheday,andwritingupnotesbeforegoingtobedatnight.What is your favorite aspect of this occupation?Myfavoriteaspectofthiswoulddefinitelybethetravelingpart,becauseIlovebeingawayfromhomeatcoolnewplaces,andIamalsoveryinterestedinanythingthatisaboutinternationalcultureandnature.At what age do you expect to actually start working?Iexpecttogotocollegeandgraduate,andiftheyrequiredanygraduateworkthenIwouldofcoursecompletethat.SoIhopetostartworkingbyage25or26.

Since when did you want to be a minister? Actually,Ineverwantedtobeaminister.Ihadotheraspira tions,ministryneverbeingoneofthem.Aftergraduating fromAragonin1983thenCalPolyin1988,Ibecameacomputer/networkengineerforNorthernTelecom.Inmysecondyear,IhadadramaticencounterwiththeLord.Tomakealongstoryshort,asIwasdrivingsouthon101toworkinheavymorningtrafficandneartheDumbartonexit,theLordspoketome,notaudibly,butjustasreal.Hesaid,“Iwantyoutobemypastor.”Aftertwocommands,IcouldnotdenytherealityofHispresencenorthegravityofHiscommand.Thenextday,Iquitmyjobtobecomeapastor.Were you involved in any prerequisites?Theprerequisitetoministrywasseminary.Seminaryinvolvedthreeyearsofgraduatestudy;itpreparedmetostudytheBibleobjectivelyincontextandchallengedmetolivealifeofholiness.Describe a typical work day.Atypicaldayincludesstudyandpreparationofasermonorlessoninthemorning,counselingoradministrativeworkintheafternoon,andmeetinginasmallaccountabilitygroupintheevening.What is your favorite part of your job?MyfavoritepartisservingJesus,toknowIamfulfillingHispurposeformylife,towalkwithHimandtrytoseepeopleandsituationsthroughHiseyes.What has Aragon done to help you achieve this career path?WhatIappreciatedaboutAragonwasitsculturalmakeupandtheeducationIreceived.

Since when did you want to be a motivational speaker? Ithoughtofitbackin7thor8thgradeandthenthoughtofitseriouslyaroundsophomoreyear.Are you involved in any prerequisites?I’mjusttryingtomakesureIapplytoenoughschoolsandthenseewhichschoolisthebestfit.I’minterestedwhenIseesomebodydosomethinglikethatinabookormovie.Ianalyzewhattheysayandhowtheydoit.What are your expectations for this job?Iexpectittobereallydifferent.Iwouldkeepmyselfbusywhilestillbeingdifferenteveryday.It’snotjustasit-downjob.Somedayswillberelaxedandsomedayswillbecrazy.What is the biggest motivator you have towards pursu-ing this job?Ireallywanttohelppeople.I’mreallysensitiveandIseetheproblemspeoplehave.ThemostinfluentialpersonisUncleKip,mydad’scousin.He’saprofessorandalsoaspeaker.At what age do you expect to actually start working?Iexpecttostartworkingataround25yearsold.

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