What should I do for the rest of my life? Ron Chand, Career Services’ Community Engagement Coordinator, asked the students of Alta Loma Middle School on Tuesday, May 7, 2026. Chand was invited to speak to three middle school classes for Alta Loma Middle School’s 2nd annual Career Day.
Chand spoke about his experience as a first-generation American and the trials and tribulations of navigating an academic system that he and everyone in his social circle was unfamiliar with. He described how these trials in his formative years made him who he is now, and that if any students are in a similar situation, there are resources available to them.
One of these important resources is the schools themselves, by extension, Skyline College. Where they can explore opportunities and ask questions about their concerns without fear or judgment (something Chand himself did not know). Chand further explained that even though they are in middle school, once they reach high school, they can explore Dual Enrollment or potentially apply to Middle College.
Chand continued his presentation, extolling the virtues of working in academia, be it teaching, research, counseling, advising, or myriad adjacent roles. He answered questions and presented curios from his time teaching abroad. Lastly, he gave the students some final advice to help them develop, which would benefit them in the future.
For more information about SPWD and the programs that it offers to students and faculty alike, please email: skylinecareers@smccd.edu
If you are a student and would like to make an appointment with a Career Readiness Coordinator, please visit: https://smccd-czqfp.formstack.com/forms/career
Article & Photos by Ron Chand
