Students and parents from all over the William S. Hart Union High School District attended Golden Valley High School’s second annual Hispanic College and Career Fair Thursday.

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The school was host to different university and career booths that lined the hallway outside the theater.

Some of the schools that were represented at the fair included Mount St. Mary’s College, University of California Santa Barbara, Musicians Institute, Colorado State University, University of California Riverside and more.

Each college booth allowed high school students and parents to walk around and interact with informants from the school. The school representatives gave college planning advice to anyone who was interested.

In addition to the college booths, there were also career booths with representatives local to the Santa Clarita Valley.

The representatives discussed the various opportunities for students who were unsure of a pathway or who were interested in internship opportunities.

After the college and career walk-around, students and parents were invited into the theater for a presentation by school counselors and career planners.

The presentation began with Sal Frias, principal of Golden Valley High School, discussing the lives of students who speak Spanish as a first language.

“It wasn’t easy. I wasn’t supposed to go to college,” Frias said. “I was supposed to work in the field, but I went to college.”

He went on to explain his struggles as a student.

“The biggest challenge growing up was language,” he said. “…I wasn’t allowed to speak Spanish at school. So I started speaking English at home, but I never mastered one language.”

Golden Valley High School staff members hoped that the college and career fair would provide guidance to anyone who doesn’t think he or she will make it to college.

Canyon High School counselor Olga Lavalle went over the requirements for graduating highschool and getting into college.

“Knowing Spanish is a good thing to put on college applications,” Lavalle said. “And if you ever have questions about how your student is doing, go see a counselor. They will make sure your student is on track.”

Lavalle explained the basic high school courses, along with different class options for students who want to challenge themselves. A translator was at hand during the presentation to ensure all parents and students understood the information.

“There are 10 UCs in California,” Lavalle said, “but sometimes a four-year school isn’t for everyone. Have your children apply broadly. Students should apply for a school they know they’ll get into and one they’re hoping to get into. Apply for at least five colleges.”

Lavalle told the students and parents that there are four career coaches in the school district whose job is to help students set their goals by meeting with them. At the meetings, students can take aptitude tests, personality assessments, search for internships or find people to job shadow.

At the end of the presentation, students and parents were given the opportunity to meet up with counselors and career advisors to discuss plans for the future.

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