By Uy Pham
Most of the Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) community knew Chanelle Perez through her role in the attendance office. Students, parents and teachers alike turned to Perez, one of several staff members who assisted with any attendance needs. By facilitating one of the most important functions of a school, Perez first became introduced to the students and the culture within the Baron community.
More recently, an opening for a College and Career Specialist opened up at FVHS. Tucked in the back left corner of the FVHS library, students can find Perez in her new role, still warmly welcoming and eagerly assisting students. Now, Perez continues to assist students by helping them with important resources and guidance regarding their future.
“I help students applying for college explore majors, seeing what personality fits their majors and long-term goals,” Perez said.
Perez also assists students with a variety of career planning methods including planning college and career fairs, registering for ROP and summer programs and preparing students for various internships through resume and interview workshops. To recognize the achievements of the students she helped along the way, she organizes the Seniors’ Awards Night.
Her own educational experience brings unique and personal connections she can use to assist students. Unsure of what career she wished to pursue after high school, she attended Golden West College.
However, after taking some economics and business classes, she decided that this route was her calling. Afterward, she transferred to California State Fullerton where she majored in business administration with a concentration in marketing. She eventually returned to Golden West College where she worked in roles including a program assistant to mentor students, the transfer center and an administrative assistant in curriculum and instruction.
“I think, being in your guys’ shoes and knowing the two sides of community college [and] a four-year university, I can help based on that experience,” Perez said. “My work experience at Golden West College [was] for over five years. I got to be exposed to a lot of their different departments and know what is out there and what they have to offer.”
Transitioning to her role as College and Career Specialist, Perez will continue her assistance of students since she began in the attendance office. She credits the opportunity to help students grow as the main reason for entering her new role.
“I just love seeing students grow and how far they come in high school. [I] see them get excited about their future… ultimately, hearing the good news of where they’ll end up going,” Perez said. “[I] see the students move on and what big and better things will come after Fountain Valley.”
The College and Career Center hosts a variety of resources and events both online and in-person inside the library. Perez is actively posting resources on Instagram and on the FVHS website.
Both pages include resources to assist in college and career exploration: information regarding the different paths after college, potential scholarships and various programs and jobs students may be interested in. She plans to expand further upon the different paths students can take after high school.
“I for sure want to explore more of the non-traditional four-year route, whether that’s trade [school], vocational [school], military [or] community college; [I am] just making sure we encompass the population of all students here,” Perez said.
For all FVHS students with any questions in their process of exploring college and careers, Perez encourages students to meet with her. She is available at lunch or after school. To schedule an appointment, students can use Calendly to find availabilities.
The process of exploring options for one’s future can be stressful and confusing, but Perez offers one ultimate piece of advice to guide this process.
“Stay true to yourself. I think deep down you kind of know what you want to do or where you want to go,” Perez said. “Just be able to explore that, and not so much listening to what outside influences have to say. Do what’s best for you.”
