A new student’s adult school studies bring new educational and career goals
When she first stepped on the Fontana Adult School (FAS) campus, 41-year-old Cynthia Carranza was only trying to help her mother and sister enroll in an English as second language course. After seeing the different adult education options available, however, Carranza realized attending FAS could be a major step to better her own life.
She enrolled in 2023, taking a computer business applications class. Her teacher then recommended another course and from there she started seeing more opportunities, including in the paraprofessional field.
“The teacher was also teaching a paraprofessional class,” Carranza remembers. “I took and passed that class and from there my teacher recommended me for a position as a college tutor.”
Carranza had been unemployed for most of 2023, so she jumped at the chance. Later, a position as a clerk opened up at FAS, so she applied for that, too. The process, she says, helped her successfully prepare for the job interview process.
“The community there is amazing, you feel like people are there to motivate each other and reach your goals.”
Cynthia Carranza, Student/Clerk-Typist, Fontana Adult School
“When I interviewed for the clerk-typist position, I felt more prepared and I managed to interview decently enough that I got the position,” she says.
Although she is now employed by FAS, Carranza is still moving forward with her education, taking classes. She is enrolled in FAS’s interpreter-translator program, something the school keeps in mind when it comes to her work schedule.
“When I got the position, since I had already started the interpreter-translator class, they worked with my schedule to work around those hours,” Carranza says. “My days are really long, but it’s great that I get to continue taking classes.”
Carranza also has eyes on a future beyond the adult school as well, with plans to attend college, while the courses she has completed have already helped to set her up for success in future job hunts.
“With the paraprofessional class you study to pass the paraprofessional exam, which is a certification that helps you get ahead when it comes to applying within the district,” Carranza says. “When you apply for a position, they’ll ask for either your para-certificate or an associates, so it has that same kind of weight as an associates degree.”
Carranza’s goal is to become a teacher and, if possible, teach at FAS. Wherever she ends up, Carranza says she owes much of her success to FAS’s nurturing environment where both students and staff support one another.
“The community is amazing,” Carranza says. “You feel like people are there to motivate each other and reach your goals.”
Working and studying at FAS has opened new doors for Carranza, and she recommends the experience to anyone considering enrollment. She also advises new students to be willing to take a chance on what courses they enroll in.
“Just put yourself in any available class and see what sparks you to move forward,” Carranza says.
For more information on Fontana Adult School visit www.fusd.net/adultschool
Written by Jacob Peterson
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| Southern California | Careers in Business-Technology – Careers in Education – English as a Second Language |
