Bekka Zak, M.D., from left; Natalia Maani, M.D. and Robert B. Lefkowitz, M.D., speak about careers in health care. Photo courtesy of Future Leaders of America Inc.
By Richard Castaniero / Future Leaders of America — ric.castaniero@gmail.com
OXNARD — Medical professionals from Ventura County gathered on May 31 in Oxnard to present career seminars for students of Future Leaders of America. Career seminar organizer Peter Martinez welcomed the 60 high school and community college students. Dr. Robert B. Lefkowitz, director of OB/GYN at the Ventura County Medical Center made the keynote address.
The goals of the career seminar series are to inform local youth of the required education and skills needed by specific professionals, expose them to professional careers, and to inform them of the daily tasks and duties of specific jobs.
Several students gave their impressions:
Student Belinda Garcia, from left; Cynthia Lopez, medical assitant trainer at Center for Employment Training and student Melissa Cantu, practice blood pressure techniques. Photo courtesy of Future Leaders of America Inc.
“What I took from this seminar is that I can be a positive influence in my community. I can help an individual or family members by healing, comforting, or help manage their health. This seminar opened my eyes to see how I too can reach my full potential.” — Anisa Ayala, Oxnard High School 11th grade student.
“Knowing that these doctors are real people with similar experiences like me, inspired me and motivated me to reach for my goals; just like me, they dreamed of becoming a doctor some day.” — Ivan Camacho, Hueneme High School Student.
“What I really liked about the career seminar was being able to meet real doctors and nurses and hearing their stories on how they achieved their dreams of being in the medical field. I especially enjoyed the mini-first aid class on hoe to be a first respondent in case of emergency and how to possibly save someone’s life with basic CPR.” — Celeste Andrade, Pacifica High School Student.
Gabriela Rodriguez, executive director of Future Leaders of America stated, “As a youth leadership development organization, Future Leaders wants to inspire youth to become leaders in the medical field and open doors of new opportunities for generations to follow.”
The career seminars feature a wide array of careers including business, criminal justice, STEM and the arts, amongst others. The employment readiness training will focus on education, job readiness and personal development. All participants engage in discussions and interactive activities that build self-esteem and character. At the end of day, students were invited to connect with a professional for mentorship. They also have the opportunity to participate and visit the presenters in their workplace.
The next career seminar will focus on careers in the arts and will take Saturday, June 28 at the Center for Educational Training (C.E.T.), 741 S. C St., Oxnard. Admission is free. For questions, call Gabriela Rodriguez at 805-642-6208 or email gabriela@futureleadersnow.org