Juniors in the Sierra Pacific Education Academy took a tour of UC Santa Barbara Oct. 6.
Starting the day at 6 a.m., the goal was for students to gain knowledge about UCSB and possibly gain an idea of what they want to do after high school. The Ed Academy’s goal is to give students opportunities, a safe place for the students and chances to participate in activities.
At UC Santa Barbara, SPHS students learned of the campus’ having more than 200 different majors, degrees and credentials that college students can earn.
The staff who went along to UCSB were Rob Isqueirdo, Ariana Iniguez, Sandra Espinola, Ryan Cook, Rachel Salgado and Mary Quintero. They were also given a tour of the school with the students. These teachers and staff have different purposes. They each teach different subjects to the Ed Academy, and are also counselors; they are also some of those who prepare for the trips, along with planning them with the other Ed Academy teachers.
Isquierdo said seeing new places expands the possibilities for students in their minds.
“I felt like it opened their minds to a whole new world,” Isquierdo said.
Iniguez voiced that her favorite part of touring the school with the students was seeing the reactions of students.
“Seeing the reactions of the students when they saw something new was enjoyable to see.” Iniguez said.
Opening students’ minds to college and getting them excited for life after high school are some of the main purposes of the trips that the Ed Academy takes. It’s to guide, motivate, and inspire them to do well in school so they can get many different opportunities after school. These trips provide them with knowledge about what they need in order to be accepted into the colleges they tour or dream of being accepted into.
Francisco Rocha, a junior Ed Academy student, stated he enjoyed gaining knowledge about the college.
“I enjoyed getting to know the benefits you get when going to UCSB.” Rocha said.
Melina Casimiro, also a junior Ed Academy student, voiced that her favorite part of the tour was seeing all the different work environments.
“My favorite part was seeing the library because I enjoy doing my work in a quiet environment.” Casimiro said.
The Ed Academy takes multiple trips through the year with students getting more opportunities as well.
