Samo Ambassadors hosts annual Career Day

Alison GuhStaff WriterSamo Ambassadors hosted their annual Career Day and Job Fair in partnership with the City of Santa Monica on  March 12.Throughout periods 2,3,4,5 and 6, various Career Day panels were held about careers in the fields of criminal justice, computer technology, development, education, medicine, music, public affairs and journalism.“There are people from all fields [at Career Day], from medical technicians to photojournalists,” Ambassadors member Arya Aliabadi said.During lunch, panelists spoke to students about their specific fields from booths in the science quad.“This is my first experience coming to the Samo Career Day,” Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) Turning Point Volunteer Coordinator Viveca Cole said.“The reactions [from students] have been amazing so far, especially when it comes to volunteer opportunities. What I like most about coming here is networking with the students and finding out that they do have a desire to provide services to people who are less fortunate, as well as getting to spread the word that they are valued in the community. We need them, and we have opportunities for them.”By enlisting their time to make presentations and talk to students, these volunteers hope to expose students to new fields and careers.“I wish I had more exposure to different career paths when I was in high school,” Dr. Tom Belin, UCLA Biostatistics professor said. “My father was a lawyer, and I always thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but when I went to college I learned about the profession I’m currently in, and I’m very happy. Our daughter is a freshman at Samo and I’ve always been impressed with Samo students, so I thought it would be a great opportunity for us and a great opportunity for the students as well.”The Job Fair was held simultaneously during lunch in the Roberts Art Gallery for students looking for summer jobs and internships.“The Job Fair helps provide opportunities for students looking for jobs or internships,” Ambassadors member Yuri Kawashima said.Ultimately, the Samo Career Day and Job Fair hopes to expose students to various fields so that they can make decisions about their future.“This event helps integrate many students and provides them with information in order to succeed in future jobs,” Ambassadors member Gaby Jauregui said.aguh@thesamohi.com