Blog

As you walked through the glass doors of the gym this week, a faint murmur grew into a vibrant roar. Stepping from the lobby into the main space, the air was thick with the energy of discovery. Packed into the room were 33 professionals, ranging from the Mayor of Redlands and a NASA Ocean Scientist to filmmakers, firefighters, and judges.

At Redlands Adventist Academy, our goal isn't just to show students a list of jobs; it’s to expose them to the "why" behind the work. This year, the takeaway was clear: Your passion is the compass, but your career is a journey that can take many forms.

The Art of the “Career Mashup”

One of the most fascinating themes of the day was how different fields intersect. Students learned that choosing a career doesn't mean closing doors on their other interests.

• The Science of Health: One student, interested in epidemiology, found an unexpected mentor in the geology presenters. They discussed how a nursing degree could be the foundation for studying diseases of the past, and one of the Park & Recreation Executives mentioned someone with a nursing degree could find themselves working as a field medic in remote parks and recreation areas.

  

• The Creativity of Data: A visiting professor and student from the University of Redlands GIS program shared how geographic data is a tool for the creative mind. Whether tracking dinosaur migratory paths (a topic that had even our teachers "nerding out") or analyzing community needs, they emphasized that your creativity is the only limit to how you use the technology.

Faith, Ambiguity, and Lifelong Learning

The day also provided a space for deeper reflections on faith and science. One presenter spoke candidly about wrestling with the geologic timeline versus his Christian upbringing. He shared how he found peace in the limits of human knowledge compared to the vastness of God’s understanding.
His story was a powerful testament to lifelong curiosity. Whether it’s a former dentist returning to school at age 75 to master GIS software for the sheer joy of it, or a professor who immigrated from China over 50 years ago and still loves his subject, the message was the same: Never stop seeking to understand.

Reimagining Modern Service

Our guests also took the time to pull back the curtain on "hidden" roles in our community:

• The Modern Library: Our visiting librarian challenged the idea that libraries are obsolete. She described them as essential community hubs—quiet sanctuaries offering free education and a welcoming space for all walks of life in an increasingly "pay-to-watch" world.
• The RAA Legacy: One of our presenters, an RAA alumnus turned parent from the Sheriff's office, noted how fulfilling it was to come full circle. Even if only one student chooses his path, he said, the day was a success.

"It was really cool getting to talk to people in professions I had never even heard of before," one student remarked. From potential summer internships to finding a "dream job" in pediatric medicine, the connections made were tangible.

A Community That Goes Above and Beyond

None of this would have been possible without the immense generosity of our local community. When RAA sent out the call, our parents, local businesses, and institutions didn’t just respond; they rallied.
In multiple cases, when we asked for one representative, the organization countered by offering multiple members of their team, eager to share their insights with our students. From LLU’s widespread department presence to the University of Redlands and the City of Redlands (Mayor Mario Saucedo and HR Specialist Sophia Diaz), this collaborative spirit transformed a "job fair" into a deep educational partnership.

A Mutual Admiration Society

The praise, wonderfully, went both ways. While the students were inspired by the presenters, the professionals were genuinely wowed by our RAA student body. We heard it repeated again and again: Our students were so polite, incredibly respectful, and asked some truly fantastic questions. Many presenters said they had a wonderful time and would love to come back.

This connection—where a community goes above and beyond to pour wisdom into students, and students receive it with genuine, polite curiosity—is exactly what RAA is all about. The murmuring in the gym may have quieted, but the conversations started that day will echo for years to come.

The biggest thank you to everyone who participated and came with a heart to learn and teach. You are not only what made this event possible, but brought this event to life.