Workshops

Workshop Descriptions - Youth Conference April 23, 2010

Workshop I:  10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Workshop II: 12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
Workshops are scheduled in the morning and afternoon unless indicated.

86,400, How do you $pend your time? (Morning Only)
Presenters: Richard Santana, Homeboy Goes to Harvard Production
                  Dr. Marcelo Vasquez, Homeboy Goes to Harvard Production

Recognize the opportunities in front of you and inside of you, and act upon them now!  Dr. Vazquez takes his audience on an evocative journey from a young insecure boy who never understood the meaning of the “Now,” to an adult who reaches a life-long dream of receiving a doctorate degree.

 CSI:  Oxnard
Presenter: Chief Jason Benites, Oxnard Police Department

Today’s crime scene investigators or better known as forensic scientists, are the modern equivalent of a group of Sherlock Holmes with cool toys and well-equipped laboratories at their disposal. Using up-to-date scientific methods and tools to collect and interpret evidence left behind at crime scenes, CSIs try to piece together how crimes are committed in order to nab the bad guys.

Careers in Fire Service
Presenters: Paul Houdeshell and Jim Petersen, Oxnard College Fire Academy

The job of a firefighter is one of the most personally rewarding careers an individual can have. This is a profession of helping. How many jobs can you name where you can go to work and be of service to people continuously? Whether it is rescuing people from a burning building, caring for their medical needs, extinguishing fires in a home or in a large building, this profession is all about helping others.

Careers in Information Technology
Presenter: Hank  Bouma, Oxnard College

This presentation will cover the various career options and training /education requirements for Information Technology.

Careers in International Business
Presenters: Robert Cabral, Academic Senate President/Oxnard College Professor
                  Will Berg, Director of Marketing and International Trade – Oxnard Harbor District

As the global market for goods and services expands its scope, the world of International Business has become a fertile ground of fascinating career options.  Come join us as we discuss the world of opportunities that are in your future.

Careers in Medicine, Research and Biotechnology
Presenter: Dr. James Harber, Oxnard College Professor

Students interested in careers in medical research, medicine and biotechnology need to begin planning their education early.  Literacy in how a discipline is matched to specific careers in the biosciences has never been more complicated.  New opportunities for careers that combine interests in computer sciences, biotechnology, nanotechnology and cognitive sciences are emerging. Nanomedicine and NanoBiotechnology are examples of these types of new fields.  In this workshop, we will tour the microbiology and biotechnology facilities at Oxnard College. Then we will discuss opportunities for career advancement, including summer 2010 internships for those who have studied biology at high school.

Careers in the Navy
Presenter: LT William W. Wohead, NAVFAC

In this workshop students will learn about military and civilian careers in the Navy.

Computer Networking - Make a Data Cable
Presenters: Alex Lynch, Oxnard College Computer Networking Professor
                  Daniel Alvarez, Oxnard College IT Student Worker

In this workshop students will learn about careers in the field of Computer Networking/IT and the Certificate/Degree program at Oxnard College. Students will hear from an Oxnard College student in the program who will share his experiences and how he was able to gain employment in the field. Students will make a data cable that they will be able to keep. The process of making a data cable includes using hand tools and a cable tester.

Exploring Ventura County Marine Life
Presenters: Dr. Bryan Swig, Oxnard College Professor
                  Scott Simon, UCSB Professor

This workshop will introduce participants to Ventura counties local marine life. We will look at animal diversity, ecology, and life history. This will be a hands on workshop in which participants will have the opportunity to hold and examine specimens up close.

Express Yourself: Music, Graffiti, Painting, and Film
Presenters: Tomas Hernandez and Michael Shuman, CAUSE
                  Amy Aguilera and Jose Zuniga, Ventura College Students

Do you want to get into film?  Do you love to paint or express yourself?  Do you love music?  If you answered yes to any of these this is the workshop for you!  There are many type of artists and local leaders involved with Arts for Action will show you how to make the right moves so you can follow your dreams and goals as an artist.  We will show you ways to get your art or films seen, and make the right steps forward as you mature as an artist. 

Financial Aid: Where Dollars Make Sense
Presenters: Brandi Rieger, Maria Cervantes, Jose Barillas
                  Oxnard College Financial Aid

Students will receive an overview of financial aid, learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); receive information about types of aid such as grants, fee waivers, scholarships, and loans. We will give information about other resources and programs available to help make college more affordable.

Find Your Own Path in Mental Health Careers
Presenters: Dr. Linda Chaparro, Oxnard College Professor
                  Carla Cross, Ventura County Mental Health

Interactive and experiential workshop that will provide an overview of careers in Mental Health. Students will learn about various career opportunities in the Mental Health field and will be given a window into the daily work experience involved in a career in Mental Health. Information about educational pathways will be provided.

Fuel Cell Technology
Presenter: Andrew Cawelti, Oxnard College

This workshop is a “hands-on” Fuel Cell introductory lesson.

Get Transfer Ready! Be Transfer Competitive!
Presenters: Jose Vega and Cesar Flores, Oxnard College

The transfer process continues to increase in complexity and can be a bit confusing and frustrating with-out the proper guidance and advisement. This transfer workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to make the transfer process less confusing and the goal of transferring to a selected 4 year College or University attainable!

More specifically, you will learn the basic steps to transfer and how to choose a transfer major and university. You will also learn how to plan to take the right courses for your transfer major and university and avoid taking courses you didn’t need!

Going Live!
Presenters: Kitty Merrill, Oxnard College TV 
                  Kathy Hartin, Time Warner,
                  Laura Reyes, Oxnard College Student

Creating television programming is more than YouTube. Find out what goes into putting programs on air, on Oxnard College Television, and beyond. Get a taste of the opportunities a career in digital video can give you, behind the camera or in front of it.

Heart to Heart - "Greys Anatomy" and Physiology -Careers in Medicine
Presenters: Rachel Ulrich, Oxnard College
                  Lisa McDermott R.N, Ventura College Nursing Program

Have you ever wondered how your heart works? Explore the anatomy of the heart through a hands-on demonstration and dissection of a sheep's heart as well as discover the physiology behind the heart by taking your own vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate and EKG. Discover the rewarding opportunities and careers in medicine and related health fields...sign up now!

Life is a Bowl of Cherries: How to be Successful in College and Life
Presenters: Leo Orange, Oxnard College Educational Assistance Center Coordinator
                  Chief Fernando Estrella, Port Hueneme Police Department

This workshop will cover: Student potential - we can all be winners with conditioning, motivation and habits; Self image and self talk; Positive affirmation; Ways to increase self confidence; Defining your own success; Goal setting based on internal values and goals; Motivation; Taking responsibility for your life; and Qualities of peak performers.

New Year New You- Science of Making Lasting Changes
Presenters: Mary Jones, Nurse Practitioner, Oxnard College
                  Dr. Tim Garcia, Chiropractor
                  John Garcia, Student

This is a presentation on how to implement lasting changes to your health and life using goal setting and cognitive styles.  The focus is on better health through stress management such as nutrition, exercise, hobbies, social circle, yoga and a fully functioning nervous system.

Online Math at Oxnard College
Presenter: Bret Black, Oxnard Professor

Are you a self motivated learner? Do you have a need for a more flexible schedule? Oxnard College offers two of our most popular math classes, Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, through an online format. Using an internet-based system, students enjoy access to interactive tutorials, videos, PowerPoint, homework, quizzes, and weekly real-time office hours with the instructor. Come see these resources in action and get a chance to explore some of the features the inline math classes at Oxnard College offer.

Preparing a Career as a Geoscientist at Oxnard College
Presenters: Thomas O’Neil, Oxnard College Professor
                  Joseph M. Saenz, Project Manager-Technical Lead for US Dept of the Navy (Former OC Alumni) 
                  Kenda Neil, Geologist for the US Dept of the Navy(Former OC Alumni)

Do you find the prospect of working on a wide range of Earth-related issues, from resource management to environmental protection exciting? Do you enjoy working outdoors? Travel? Then geosciences may be an interesting career path to investigate. Geoscientists are stewards or caretakers of Earth’s resources and environment. They work to understand natural processes on Earth and other planets. Investigating the Earth, its soils, rocks, fossils, mineral resources, rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines, mountains, deserts, jungles, forests, permafrost and glacial environments, and atmosphere; forecasting the weather; developing land-use plans; implementing the use of clean-up technologies, determining environmental impacts, exploring climate changing technologies, and finding new sources of useful Earth materials are just a few of the ways geoscientists contribute to our understanding of Earth processes and history. Geoscientists provide essential information for solving problems and establishing governmental policies for resource management; environmental protection; and public health, safety, and welfare.

Recipe for Success: The Art of Cooking
Presenters: Chef Henri Patey, Oxnard College (Formerly of White Stock Catering Co.)

Chef Patey will be demonstrating knife handling skills, performing basic cuts of vegetables used in the Culinary Field. He will also demonstrate how to bone out a chicken as well as a trout. If you dream of becoming a chef for a restaurant, pastry artist for a catering company, or manager of a hotel, step out of the ordinary and prepare for an exciting career you'll truly love.

SAY WHAT! More School After High School! Taking it to the next level. Am I ready for college and what I should expect.
Presenters: Gloria Lopez and David Lopez, Oxnard College Counselors
                  Oxnard College student panel

This workshop will have a panel of Oxnard College students sharing experiences that helped them succeed in college. They will discuss changes that occur in the students’ lives as they leave high school. How do students balance school, work and family pressures/stress?  If you do it right then how does an education empower you and open doors of opportunity? The workshop will focus on Vocational and AA/AS Degree Programs.

Soccer Coaching Fundamentals
Presenters: Bill Propster- Oxnard College Assistant Soccer Coach
                   Patrick O’Brien- Ventura Fusion
                   Nataly Magana and Eunice Guillen- Oxnard College Students

Learn what you need to become a professional soccer coach. Our soccer coach will review education, experiences, and skills that will help you start your coaching career.

Stomp the Plants: Plant Printing for Environmental Restoration
Presenters: Lorraine Buckley, Oxnard College Professor
                  Tom McCormick, Director of Research-Channel Islands Marine Resource Institute
                  Holly Bovey, Oxnard College Student and Mariculture Technician for ProteusSeaFarms,International

This workshop is especially designed for students interested in environmental restoration, ecology, and art. Students will make plant prints using a “stomping” technique. Each student will choose their plant and paint color and will be given their plant print at the end of the day to take home. Plant printing provides a permanent record of plants that does not decompose as rapidly as herbarium specimens. Also, Plant printing is a popular art form.

Super Glue and Fingerprints
Presenters: Yong Ma Oxnard College Professor
                  Dr. Hans Lee, Industry Leader
                  Bianca Terminello, Oxnard College Student

Do you know the composition of Super Glue? Have you ever thought of being a forensic scientist? You must have watched at least one episode of “CSI” on TV. You will be surprised by the connection of the SUPER Glue and your fingerprints. Come join us for the Chemistry Workshop on the Youth Conference Day. The workshop will provide a platform for potential career paths and opportunities within chemistry. You will be asked to participate in the experiment conducted in the workshop.

Teacher Career Starter: The Road to a Rewarding Career
Presenters: Richard Duarte, Retired Superintendent
                   Ana Maria Valle, Oxnard College

The workshop will include a self-assessment focused on the student’s interests and talents. It will include the development of a roadmap for planning a career in education. There will be group discussions centering on personal experiences and identification of available resources for the achievement of career goals.

You Can Be a Smile Maker: An Introduction to Dental Careers
Presenter: Dr. Christina Tafoya, Oxnard College Dental Coordinator

Think that dentistry is all about bad breath and white teeth?  Come find out the truth.  The dental field is rewarding, high demand, and high paying.  This workshop will contain the basics of becoming a dental assistant, dental hygienist, dentist, and/or dental specialist.