After struggling in school, a returning student’s success in digital media studies helps expand her career opportunities
Elisama Rabelo was introduced to Fontana Adult School (FAS) years ago when her mother took English as a second language classes. Fast-forward to 2019, and Rabelo was seeking out classes to take while her own children were in school when she learned about the many courses on offer. She would go on to enroll in a digital media course.
“I have now taken the digital class twice, and both times it opened the door to more opportunities,” Rabelo says. “The first time it introduced me to cameras, and the second time it expanded my knowledge in terms of creativity and entrepreneurship.”
It has also provided her with a professional boost, she adds.
“It helped me expand my business in the party industry by giving me the tools necessary to begin taking photos professionally, and also build a portfolio and a website,” she says.
“Fontana was a stepping stone to propel me back into higher education, and expand my business.”
Elisama Rabelo, Digital Media Student, Fontana Adult School
Prior to Fontana, Rabelo says she had difficulties in school. She had attended multiple colleges and, while she learned in the process, she also felt as though she was often missing out on the support she needed to flourish.
“After high school I struggled with college, and for a long time I thought I wasn’t smart enough,” she says. “I had given up on school completely. When I first enrolled in the digital class, I thought it would be just a fun thing to do, but it showed me that I am capable of much more with the right support.”
Now, after years of feeling like an inadequate student, Rabelo says FAS has allowed her to reassess her capabilities. In school, she felt her confidence grow as she learned in a supportive environment, with caring and knowledgeable teachers. She also appreciates the one-on-one attention she receives from teachers and staff.
“At other schools, I was just one of the many,” she says. “As someone who needs time to adjust, Fontana gave me the opportunity to adjust to class work and projects, while also working and tending to my children. Fontana was a stepping stone to propel me back into higher education, and expand my business.”
The class also gave her new skills.
“Not only did I expand my knowledge in photography but I also dove into script writing and public speaking.”
Rabelo says she also appreciates that FAS offers great opportunities for people trying to advance in life and further their chosen career.
“I don’t just mean for the ones who are working towards their citizenship and learning English,” she explains “I have many U.S. citizens taking classes at Fontana to get their GED, and other certifications. That has led many of them to find better employment.”
As Rabelo now considers returning to college to major in cinematography, she recommends FAS to anyone seeking to further their education or just in need of a change.
“The staff and classmates are very supportive, and they offer many resources as well,’ she says. “The fact that some of the classes offered are free or at a low cost is a big winning point.”
For more information on Fontana Adult School’s courses visit: /www.fusd.net/adultschool
Written by Brett Callwood
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| Southern California | Careers in Business-Technology |
