Matilija students get real world intro
by Bret Bradigan

For many of the 340 students at Matilija Junior High School, the annual Portfolio Project is their first exposure to the expectations of the working world. It is where they learn to present themselves and their work to business and professional people, some of whom may one day end up hiring them.
This the fifth year for the Rotary Club-sponsored Portfolio Project, where each of the seventh- and eighth-grade students spend about 15 or 20 minutes being questioned over their portfolio of junior high school projects.
Eighth-grader Mary Lukasiewicz put together a package of school work, including a report on a Supreme Court case, a children's book she wrote and a project from art class. She also put herself together, dressing smartly in a sweater blouse.
"It was nice practice for real interviews." She learned "how to think of answers right away when you're asked. I learned how to have a successful interview when I go after a job in the future."
While she was "a little nervous," she said it helped that her interviewer, Gil Lowry, was acquainted with her family.
Jim Berube, Ojai Unified School District's budget and finance chief, and a Rotarian, said the program was imported from Orcutt Union School District near Santa Maria. The team of Dr. Carl Gross, Larry Mulholland and Rebecca Watson got the project rolling in Ojai.
"It just looked very powerful," Berube said. A former Rotary district president "called it the best youth program he's ever saw."
Matilija Principal Christine Golden said that teachers help the kids prepare for their interviews through a variety of lessons. "They learn how to shake hands, how to do a cover letter, about grooming," she said.
The kids were impressive, said interviewer Allan Jacobs, especially when media reports overexpose the doings of delinquents to the exclusion of good students.
Dr. Todd Beaty said, "The kids are much more focused, much more so than when I was that age. They are telling me things about their career objectives - they're already on their way to building up their portfolios."
It is also an opportunity to broaden their connections to the wider world. "For some of these kids, we're the only adults they come in contact besides their parents."
James Martinez said he was prepared for the worst in his contact with complete stranger. "I thought the interviewers would be stern with us. They were nice." He warmed up a little bit when he and his interviewer "talked about sports. I learned 'don't be nervous. Just act calm. He's (the interviewer) not going to hurt you.'"
The interview went smoothly, though Martinez admitted sheepishly that one of his projects in his portfolio "didn't have all about it explained. You've got to prepare yourself for everything." Even the best.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

Back to the news