Glitz and Glam! Denim and Diamonds Gala!

The Career Center of Big Bear made up a crew of current and follow-up WIA students to volunteer at the Denim and Diamonds Gala on March 8th. Denim and Diamonds is one of the biggest fundraising events that Big Bear hosts! This memorable night included a fun theme (western attire and glitter anyone?), live auctions that featured some great prizes from local businesses, live music, and serving an amazing dinner for a great cause! All of the money they raise goes to supporting educational programs serving the Big Bear School District.

With our cowboy hats on, we worked through the evening, and we saw just how much work goes into putting together a large event like this one. Our crew was split up to go to the areas that they needed help most, and I think we all learned a lot about customer service and working in a fast-paced environment. It was great to be able to help out such a spectacular cause! I hope that the Career Center has a chance to help out again next year!

-Sarah Avignone and Dezi Guillen

Defining Success

Dakota Cazares has always dreamt of dedicating his life towards saving the lives of others. He is a twenty year old soon-to-be-college student, living on his own in Orange, California. Dakota recently moved from small town Big Bear to big city Orange, and he is adjusting to living on his own and to finding his own way to follow his dream of joining the medical field. He is going back to school to become a Vocational Nurse starting this next fall semester at a local community college, and is currently working at Carls’ Jr. Dakota is saving up for the courses while paying for his living expenses.

The drive to help others runs in his blood, he comes from a long family line of nurses, EMTS, and fire fighters. Through the Career Center’s programs, Dakota was able to take an EMT course and solidify his decision that the medical field was for him.  The Career Center helped him further his career path and pushed him to keep going when the going got tough.  He feels confident and prepared to go towards his personal goals and for whatever comes next.

SYCAMORE INN. 

The Rancho Cucamonga Hospitality program finished their leadership connection touring the Sycamore Inn. It has been an incredible journey witness how different style hotels and restaurants run and work their staff on a day to day basis. Touring the Sycamore Inn, we got to witness even more history! Their own restaurant style and a fabulously dinner to end our leadership connection of 2014. Until next year leadership connection!

Georgia Burckel

gburckel@cinow.org

Hello All!

This post it to inform you guys of some exciting news! The Career Institute in Barstow has recently been interviewed by the Daily Press so, we should be featured in our local paper soon! 

Student Success Story!

                                    Michael Navarro

Navarro and Instructor Jeff Lambert

Michael Navarro also known as “Mike” is 24 years old and is a resident of Barstow. When we first met Mike he was unemployed high school drop out with no idea of how to get back on track. Mike then interviewed fir our PG & E program and is now currently working Full time and is enrolled in our High School & G.E.D. Completion program. Mikes goal is to gain experience and complete our G.E.D. program so he would have better opportunities come his way. Mike has stated that living in Barstow he's noticed that job opportunities are very little and even less without having a Diploma of G.E.D. He is dedicated and motivate about completing our program so that he'll have better opportunities in life.

Sheriff Explorers Outreach

Sarah and I went to the Big Bear Lake Sheriff’s Department to talk with the Sheriff Explorers about the Career Center and what we offer on March 26th. Some of the topics we shared include the Million Dollar Moment, a summary of the programs we offer and what we do, and the positives to continuing your education. The Explorers seemed really interested in the Center and especially interested in the Work Experience opportunity. Being in the Sheriff Explorers’ Program, they already are certified to go on Ride-Alongs and get first-hand experience on how this job works, but with the Work Experience they may have a chance to get paid for it! It was great to learn more about their program, and be able to talk about ours.

-Dezi Guillen and Sarah Avignone 

High Desert Road Trip!

The Career Center of Big Bear gathered up a crew and took a road trip to the High Desert’s America’s Job Center! Living in a small mountain town like Big Bear, opportunities to further your education are slim, and hearing about America’s Job Centers gave us Big Bearians hope!  America’s Job Centers are WIA funded programs for adults, helping them receive advice and job training to ultimately find their perfect job. We had about twenty people attending-WIA and Non-WIA Students- who were very excited to find out more about this program. Only an hour away, this center provides financial aid to pay for a certificate program of your choice. Most of the crew had great first impressions and can’t wait to get started! The crew will be taking training in careers such as EMT, CNA, Aircraft Mechanic, etc. America’s Job Centers is a great opportunity to lead us to success!

-Dezi Guillen and Sarah Avignone

Choosing a Path

It's hard to go from picking electives in high school to choosing a major in college.  Briana Miller chose to major in Nursing while she was still a senior in high school. It was her senior year that she discovered Career Institute through a flyer in her Medical Billing classroom. She was skeptical about what she read on the flyer; it seemed too good to be true. But she gave the Victorville office mentor, Jennifer Martinez,  a call and scheduled an appointment.

Today, Briana has completed the Certified Nursing Assistant program through the Career Institute.  She is a student at Victor Valley College and she is moving towards her degree, one semester at a time.

Way to go Cavaliers!

This months objective was to reach out to the seniors of Montclair High School as we met in their very own career center.The purpose of our visit as a Career Institute ambassador was to expose these college ready seniors to the CI successful Hospitality Program and introduce to them what experiences they could acquire and benefits if they enrolled. Having Francis who was a recent graduate of the summer’s hospitality program and alumni of Montclair High, was a huge asset in establishing credibility and also meeting the students on a personal level.Throughout our session we were surprised by the amount of students who immediately showed interest and eagerness in enrolling.On my behalf of the presentation,I elaborated on my personal experiences as a graduating senior and the pressure of searching for a job, as well as making my education the number one priority.I also elaborated on the exciting opportunity of being able to train and enhance their customer service skills at the beautiful  Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center.At the end of our presentation,I was truly eccentric as an ambassador to share my passion for the Career Institute and to see all these seniors prepare for their journeys ahead. Carlos,an attendee of our Hospitality Program session stated “ Wow!I did not know there were so many opportunities in the Hospitality Industry,this could defiantly be a great start to my career path”. I also had a peer of Carlos by the name of Stephanie stop by and tell me “Do you think I can have your business card and more info about the program so I can tell my friends who missed out”.This was defiantly a great learning experience as a CI ambassador because it was my first time engaging with graduating high school students and receiving great feedback about the program.It was also an eye opener to see how fast time flies and how not too long ago I was in their exact footsteps.

People are a Resource!

Recruitment is an ongoing process at Career Institute. It's a tremendous benefit that we have America's Job Center to assist us. Career Institute's Victorville office has been partnering with America's Job Center in the High Desert, formerly known as Employment Resource Center, for more than 10 years. They refer potential participants for our programs to us, and we refer people to them for additional training. This partnership has been very valuable for both organizations.

Excellent Delivery!

     Previously on my last post, the Career Institute presented a speech at Montclair High School, and afterward Amey and I went to attend a top-notch ILP meeting for foster kids at San Bernadino County. Before going to the ILP meeting, however, I received a call from Ms. Theresa Taylor, Career Institute's one and only Chief Executive Officer, for an opportunity to present a speech with her tomorrow at the Work Investment Board meeting in San Bernadino County. Now, I know how important it is to be at the ILP meeting surrounded by Senior level program directors, but now this was on a totally different level. Many interesting people of different agencies such as Bank of America, electric companies, etc. were to be at this meeting presenting their own unique speech in front of the Work Investment Board members and Ms. Theresa and I were no different. Under those circumstances, I felt as if everything I had done as an Ambassador boiled down to this opportunity; and without my knowing, my confidence will be put to the test.
     Upon arrival Ms. Theresa presented me to several people of high caliber status, as if I wasn't nervous already. Then I was introduced to a very prestigious lady, Ms. Sandy from the Board of Directors of WIB. As brief as it was, I got to chat and take a picture with her... Everyone took turns presenting themselves in front of everyone else in the room, and afterward presented a speech of their own. Then came our turn. Every step I took to get to the front of the room felt very sluggish and in slow-motion. Somehow, my mouth did the speaking for me at the moment, and so much blood was being rushed to my head. It felt like forever standing there... When I sat down, Ms. Theresa smiled a big, charismatic smile I've never seen and said: "You did great up there. You didn't even look nervous!"
     When she said that, all I kept thinking afterward was: "Did I really look fearless?" I guess luck was on my side once again... Cheers!

Christmas House Inn

On March 20th, 2014 Rancho Cucamonga Hospitality and Management team went on a tour through the Christmas House Inn. This house was built in 1904 by a wealthy man named Mr. Cousins, for his wife that loved to entertain. The Whitson family then took over the house in 1910, then two generations of family's lived in this house until 1975. Until 1975, this house had 80 acres that was used and citrus groves, grapes vineyards, and egg ranching that helped the family's get through the great depression in the 1930's. The Whitsons also were great celebrators, and kept up the tradition of hosting many parties in the house. Christmas festivities became a tradition,  and also because of the red and green stained glass throughout the house, it became known as the Christmas House early in the 1900s.  This name has been brought down through history to the present day. Currently, this house holds many weddings and over night guests with 4 historic rooms to choose from. What an amazing experience for our hospitality students to see a hotel through a historic view!

-Georgia Burckel

gburckel@cinow.org

Success Story - Salina Garcia

Salina Garcia currently works full time at Sterling Commons, where she found out about Career Institute from students who were performing clinicals on site. Salina was referred into the program through the TAD Vocational Training program through the County of San Bernardino.  She has worked for Sterling Commons for 3 years as a residential aide and was promoted as a CNA once she received her Certified Nursing Assistant certification in October of 2013. Salina says her challenges during her training were going to school, working and being a single mother, all at the same time. Salina wants to further her education in the medical field and to push beyond her limitations.

 

Down to Business!

     March 12th was, by far, one of the most hectic days in my Student Ambassador Career so far. Two reasons: Amey (my partner in crime), a few of our peers, and I went to Montclair High School to deliver a speech for the upcoming graduating Seniors around 8:30am, and then around 3pm, we were to attend an Independent Living Program for foster kids in San Bernadino. On a side note, returning to my home school made me feel nostalgic and euphoric to meet some of my old friends and teachers. To see everything was the same as to how I left Montclair High school felt very rewarding, yet alien to me because the faces I use to see when I use to roam around the halls are not there anymore. However, everything went well for the Career Institute. Another win for the CI.
     Furthermore, when Amey and I arrived at the ILP meeting, it seemed as if we already had a status among the other members as the newcomers. It's a promising feeling. Much better than it would have been if we didn't participate in the meeting the last time. We could have been treated like people with no names, but here we were, among the senior level program Executives and Coordinators. We were triumphant this evening... One thing is guaranteed, the Career Institute is here to stay!

President of Barstow Community College

Career Institute Barstow met with the President of Barstow Community College to receive a word of inspiration.  She stated (and I quote) "Education is worth it.  The sacrifices.  Never regret it. Take advantage of all the opportunities that come to you, like the opportunities with Career Institute. "
                  - From Dr. Debbie DiThomas.

Disney California Grand Hotel.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURES GRAND HOTEL!

On March 13th, 2014; Rancho Cucamonga's  Hospitality and Management Leadership connection toured California Adventures Grand Hotel! We toured everything from the Lobby to the 6th floor Signature suites. We learned very interesting facts along with how Hospitality and Management plays a big role in this hotel. Every employee in the hotel has importance and dutys to fulfill the satisfactions of there visitors that are sometimes traveling the world to stay here to visit the happiest place on earth. Did you know the signature suites can range from $4,000-$5,000 a night? Wow! Our students had the honor to see inside this suite. This suite includes Dining tables and seating for up to 8, service pantry's, a desk and office room, Disney California Adventure Park and pool views, jetted bath tubs and so much more! What an amazing experience for leadership connection students! 

 

-Georgia Burckel

gburckel@cinow.org

Student Success Story - Lilianna Casas

Lilianna Casas received her Certified Nursing Assistant License through Career Institute last October and found a full time position in November as a C.N.A. Lilianna says her greatest achievement has been becoming licensed and finding a job at Sterling Commons in Victorville. The program has helped her overcome her shyness and she has enjoyed meeting new people. She has always wanted to be in the medical field where she can help people and experience new challenges. Lilianna is on her way to more success and will be attending college in the fall to further her education.

Lilianna Casas on her way to work at Sterling Commons.

A Nerve-racking Task

The Ambassadors faced yet another challenge as it was requested by our mentors to complete an impromptu speech about anything related to our experience in the Career Institute within two minutes in front of our peers. Job well done guys... and disregard the "not willing to learn" sentence on the board, although it's actually hilarious.
     -Gilbert Velazquez, Student Ambassador

Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce Gala Arad Ceramony

     Today I felt like royalty! I wore this beautiful dress and was introduced to only the finest and most successful citizens of Lake Arrowhead. I was given VIP access to the Lake Arrowhead Resort's spa, a four diamond resort!! I was also treated to an outstanding meal. I couldn’t believe the marvelous night I was having! And to think, this was all thanks to Career Institute’s volunteer program!
     Throughout the night the volunteers helped set up extravagant table settings, learned new skills (such as how to make a bouquet), managed the coat check and had a blast with giving out prizes for the raffle.
      I will always cherish this experience along with the skills I have learned and the people I have met. Thank you Career Institute for this amazing opportunity!

Success Saturday!

Former Career Institute student Chris Faulkner is now successful by obtaining a full time job at MBM (more than 40 hours a week), and going to school full time at Chaffey College. Currently studying to become a High School Biology teacher. The Career Institute provided him with job interview skills, certificates, and previous job experience that helped him become the successful person he is today. Without the Career Institute and the guidance it provided for him, “I wouldn’t even know where my life would be, but I do know it wouldn’t look like this. The Career Institute helped me find a path for my life; a successful and brighter future.” His recent accomplishment is going back to school, and in his work is constantly having a 99.99% error rating (which means I'm near perfect to no mistakes).  

-Georgia Burckel 

gburckel@cinow.org

 

CI Barstow Completion Event

Career Institute Barstow Completion event sharing the accomplishments and grand experiences through participation from the WIA youth program to the selected few participating in the Leadership program to success stories in Career Institute outreach programs like High School G.E.D to PG&E for the Hinkly program.