Career Cafe exposes opportunities
Campus Times
April 23, 1999
To open the doors of the career world to University of La Verne students,
the Career Development Center hosted the Career Cafe in the Quad last Thursday.
Sponsored by the Associated Student Federation (ASF) and State Farm Insurance,
the event featured entertainment from Alta Loma High School's Jazz Band
and free cafe au lait from Lordsburg Coffee Roasters.
University of La Verne students had the opportunity to enjoy music from
the Alta Loma High School Jazz Band, drink free Lordsburg coffee and carry
on conversations with alumni at the Career Cafe last Thursday.
The event was organized by the Career Development Center (CDC) and was
co-sponsored by the Associated Student Federation (ASF) Forum and State
Farm Insurance. It was also supported by the University's Office of Housing
and Residential Life. Lordsburg Coffee offered free cafe au lait, either
hot or cold and with or without toppings, according to students' requests.
Laura Venturini, coordinator of career placement, along with Terrie
Lopez, director of career development, coordinated the event, which took
place in the Quad.
"It's an informal way for students to talk to alumni about majors
and life after graduation," said Venturini. "It also gives students
a chance to network."
ULV alumni from various career backgrounds not only made themselves
approachable but were ready to answer student questions.
Greta Sonnier, who graduated from ULV with a bachelor's degree in business
administration in 1993 and from the College of Law in 1996, has worked for
the Pomona courts, volunteered for legal aid clinics and is currently working
as a lawyer.
She has also started her own business, Step by Step Legal Services,
which assists self-representated litigants through the legal system.
"I'm very connected," Sonnier said, "with the school,
with the students and with the legal community."
Sonnier is an alumna with a story of determination. Directly out of
high school, she attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and
dropped out after a year because she felt "very isolated, like a number."
Ten years later, with a husband in medical school and twin boys, Sonnier
felt like she had a "monkey on my back.
"I felt like a failure. I felt later that if I would have had more
guidance, then I would have made it the first time," she said.
Sonnier approached students during the Cafe, and in one instance was
standing over two ULV students when she said, "School is more than
just about books."
The students sat listening to her words, sometimes expressing a look
of comprehension, while at other times appearing to learn something new.
Perhaps Sonnier has told them something that was intriguing or inspiring
about her life.
Either way, the experiences she shared were heard, which is exactly
what the CDC hoped to accomplish by developing such an event.
Sonnier stressed not only the importance of education but also special
events such as the Career Cafe. "I think it's important because the
market is so competitive," Sonnier said. "Students must understand
that they need to do more than just get the education.
"They need to get out in the community, they need to volunteer
and develop people skills and develop contacts," she said.
"Because if all you have is the education and not the things I
just mentioned, you're going to find that you may be out there two or three
years looking for a job after graduation."
Amber Rodriguez ('97) also attended the Cafe. Rodriguez graduated in
May with a bachelor's degree in diversified education.
She works as a first-grade teacher at Mountain View Elementary School
in Claremont and is currently in her second year of teaching.
Attending ULV's Cafe is not Rodriguez's first time stepping back on
to ULV's campus since graduation. She is also the cheer coach for the University
and said her ultimate dream is to come back and teach on campus.
"I just wish I could start all over again here," she said.
"I had a great time."
Georgia Coble ('91) agreed. "I liked the personal touch at La Verne,"
she said.
Coble received a bachelor's degree in health care management and worked
as an assistant director for labor and delivery at Citrus Valley Medical
Center.
Coble feels that the Career Cafe gives students the opportunity to ask
questions. "I remember when I was a student I had so many questions.
This gives a chance to get some answers," she said.
Venturini was pleased with the event but said she would "like to
see more students attend."
Lopez, on the other hand, said, "I think this is a really good
turnout, especially since this is the first time and it's a beautiful night.
"I think that this can show someone that you can have fun learning
about careers," she said. "This shows that you can learn and have
fun at the same time."
Dallas Miller, a sophomore business management major, also enjoyed the
event. "I like it. It's a good way to see how our La Verne education
is being implemented.
"I know I have to make connections for future jobs two years from
now," Miller said after her own conversation with Sonnier.
Uriostegui Rodolfo, a senior criminology major, said, "I think
it's pretty cool. It's like, you have to know where you've been in order
to know where you're going. The alumni serve as that connection."
