Unlocking opportunities and supporting small business at fair

Wasco High School hosted a Community Fair and Pop-Up on Friday. Representatives from various universities, junior colleges, law enforcement, military branches, small businesses, trade schools and other industries were on hand to provide information and inspire individuals to explore career and educational possibilities or just shop, eat and enjoy the live music of the WHS High Groove Steelers.

Valerie Sheldon is an outreach admissions coordinator for California Aeronautical University, based in Bakersfield. The school is focused on aviation degrees and offers a bachelor of science in aeronautics, a pilot program.

"It's an exciting career path because you get to travel. There's a huge need for pilots and aircraft mechanics, and studies show that between now and 2040, there will be a need for over 500,000 new pilots."

Joseph Vasquez, admissions counselor for Fresno Pacific University, said, "I'm here today because I want to provide as many opportunities as possible for students looking for colleges. My university offers amazing programs for anyone seeking to impact their communities."

"We offer programs to help first-generation college students adapt to college and succeed in their careers. Our applications are still open, and it's free for you to discover what is possible at FPU."

The event was also a platform for small businesses to shine. One was Spoiled Chick, which specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry for women, men and kids. It is a sister operation run by Yadira and Yanellie Moncada, where they source gold-plated bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings.

They were inspired to start the business because they love accessorizing and having fun with jewelry. Their hope for the future is to grow and to help more people feel beautiful by wearing their jewelry.

Bona Fide Streetwear is another small business that participated in the fair. Vincent Villanueva, his two friends and a cousin owns the branded clothing company. He started it two years ago. He said business has been good since and likes participating in pop-up events and getting connected with the community. They were selling raffle tickets to raise money for the WHS boys basketball team.

"Right now, we are in the building phase," he said. "We wanted to stay true to our name and build a genuine 'bonafide' following, and events like this will help us accomplish that goal."

Daniel Zapien thought the community fair was very resourceful. "It provided a lot of information about what I could do after high school, from careers to owning a small business, and there was a wide variety of foods and drinks."

"Seeing my friends and listening to drum music was a lot of fun. Thank you to Mrs. Samantha Wymer for setting this up. She did a great job."