by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

From a veterinarian, graphic designer, artist, lawyer, doctor, dentist, jeweler, sportswriter, firefighter, police officer, electrical engineer, California Department of Transportation worker to a dozen more, it’s safe to say Mountain View Elementary School students got a glimpse into several vocations at the school’s annual career day on May 23.

Pharmacist Michelle Arias, graphic designer Kevin Tharpe, and Xiucoatl Mejia, an artist who was recently commissioned to do murals for Claremont Unified School District campuses including Mountain View, were among some 40 professionals who spoke to students about their work. Nancy Bird, Mountain View’s intervention teacher and coordinator of career day, said the goal was to show children a variety of career options.

(L-R) Allie Petago, veterinary technician at Terra Vista Animal Hospital, and Mountain View Elementary first grader Uriah Reyes, who appears alarmed after touching a bearded dragon lizard. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

“We want our kids to see that anything’s possible,” Bird said.

Tharpe brought prints to share with students, Caltrans employees told the kids about road maintenance and the environment, and veterinary technician Allie Petagom’s presentation included animals.

Students took part in a panel discussion with San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, The Self-Care Lab Boxing and Fitness Club founder Nita Watson, Claremont Vice Mayor Jennifer Stark, and Zayn Aga, a field representative from Congressmember Judy Chu’s office.

“I want the kids to understand that government is just people trying to do their best,” Aga said. “It’s people just like them that come together and want what’s best for everybody, and spend every day trying to make other peoples’ lives better.”

Anderson told the children about the work of the DA’s office, and encouraged them to be open to the possibility of change.

Mountain View Elementary students watch as Caltrans tree maintenance worker Francisco Hernandez demonstrates his job at the school’s May 23 career day. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

“We just want to let kids know what I do, but more importantly, what were the decisions that I made early on to set me on the path for higher education,” Anderson said. “And then thinking about a career and understanding, hey, it’s okay to maybe change gears at a certain point.”

Watson urged students to prioritize mental health and work to destigmatize asking for help.

Claremont Vice Mayor Stark said it would be “the ultimate validation” if a young person was inspired to public service after her talk.