SJVC Porterville students and staff all in for Kids Fest

What better way is there to bring Porterville families together for a day of fun and food than through Kids Fest. More than 2,000 attendees recently came to the annual event, put on by the City of Porterville.

Behind the scenes this year there were more than 45 businesses, community service organizations, health care facilities, and education and training institutions who volunteered to help make this day fun and supportive for those in their community. Pitching in and manning booths on March 30th at Porterville’s Sports Complex were representatives from Sierra View Medical Center, State Farm Insurance, Family Healthcare Network, Jamba Juice, Lions Club, Giovanni’s Pizzeria, Towne and Country Market, the local police department and, of course, San Joaquin Valley College.

“One of our goals at SJVC is to teach our students community involvement and giving back through volunteerism,” says Adriana Ruiz, Campus President. All campus Clinical Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration and Business Administration students were invited to participate. “All students and faculty wore their SJVC T-shirts and were happy to be able to participate at the event.”

Students at SJVC’s booth provided blood pressure checks to adults who dropped by and did a little face-painting for the kids. Games were set up for kids to have a chance to walk away with special treats and prizes.

“My favorite part of the event was face-painting the kids and seeing the kid’s faces light up when they would win a candy,” says Jennifer Ramos Quevedo, Clinical Medical Assisting student. “I want to go into pediatrics, so having this kid’s event on my resume could give me an advantage.”

Visitors to SJVC’s booth also got to know about the education and career opportunities the school provides to the community. “There are still a lot of people in Porterville who don’t know we have a campus here,” says Adriana. “This gives us a chance to share with the community this education opportunity and how we can transform students’ lives through education in just 9 months.”

There is another advantage to participating students as they educate, entertain and interact with families along side other professionals during this event. “This event also allows our students to network with potential employers,” says Adriana. It is never to early to make a good impression on future colleagues.

“I feel that volunteering and being a part of the community will impact my future, because it will teach me how to interact with people outside of work and school, building communication skills and how to address (others) properly,” says Mercy Ramos, Clinical Medical Assisting student.

This is the second year SJVC has participated in this event that gives families such a great day of fun and useful information that supports their needs and goals. “The energy of that day was so beautiful,” says Mercy. “It feels as if it has shown me a little more of the bright side of Porterville, and the community coming together as family, friends and volunteers.”

SJVC Porterville wants to make their presence known in the community, and what better way than through the professionalism, caring and dedication of their students in support of those they are training to one day serve.

Important information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended SJVC can be found here.