It seems as if most of the student population of the GUHSD district planned to attend the district Career and College Fair “Got Plans?” held on November 28th. The event was originally scheduled for October 23rd but was cancelled because of the fires. The Committee chairs, Sharon Neumann (marketing), Tanya Bulette (presenters), and Rebeca McMillan (career fair) along with host school facilitators, Tracy Wilson and Elaine Swatniki, and Director of Curriculum, Mary Beth Kastan met at the end of October to determine whether to cancel or reschedule the fair. The Poway and Escondido districts had fairs at the same time and had not rescheduled so the first thought was to just plan for next year’s fair at Monte Vista. However, it was decided that if we could get two-thirds of the original colleges and career presenters to return, we would proceed in rescheduling Got Plans? this school year.

The 2007 Got Plans? Career/College Fair was a great success!

To our surprise almost all of the presenters (except Amy Finley-The Next Food Network Star who had a previous commitment to be in NY) were able to attend and 65 of the original 90 career/college fair vendors and reps were able to reschedule as well-even Stanford! So, with Emily Moore’s (Instructional Resources) help, new confirmation letters were mailed, new postcards were designed and mailed, new announcements, and new programs made. Counselors at each school site made sure that phone announcements went out to each household in the district.

Students and their parents visited representatives from over 90 institutions with information on various college and career opportunities.

The committee expected a smaller turnout than the previous year because of rescheduling but, to our surprise, we had more attendees-not less, according to Nick Williams who was coordinating the parking. When making the rounds and talking to the career fair participants, it was discovered that they were very happy that we had rescheduled because the other districts had cancelled, which put a damper on their recruitment in the San Diego area. UCSD representative, Joanne Leslie said, “Thank you and your committee for hosting a great "Got Plans?" program. Rescheduling such a big event was a lot for you to take on. The turnout certainly was terrific and the entire evening a big success. Kudos to everyone, and in particular, I want to say how helpful the ROTC students were.” Many positive remarks were made about the professional attitudes of the Valhalla AVID students and Mount Miguel’s ROTC students.

There were representatives from each branch of the military available to discuss military career possibilities with students.

Presenters at the fair spoke about issues from the value of the local community colleges to how to write a college application essay. The NCAA workshop conducted by Monte Vista’s Assistant Principal, Dave Napoleon was so crowded that it had standing room only for all sessions. The career and college fair tables were three or four people deep at times and, looking from the 3rd story of the 4-story school, the fair exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Brad Stewart presents at the workshop "How to Make Paying for College More Affordable"

Valhalla’s Principal, Larry Martinsen posited, “We have enjoyed hosting “Got Plans?” for the last two years. It is an outstanding opportunity for students to examine resources for college and career options for their futures. Changing from a Junior College Fair format four years ago to include all levels allows students more opportunities to plan their futures.”

Got Plans? is scheduled to be held at Monte Vista High School next year with the blessings of Principal, Gary Schwartzwald and under the direction of counselor Tanya Bulette. Planning will start this coming March with representatives from every school in the district.

The UC/CSU Admissions workshops were some of the most well-attended of the fair.