Thank you to all who sent a quick email either to give either suggestions or your likes.

 

I received word from a few people that there was a problem reading the text in the different sections of “around the district.” Thank you Pedro Avila and Stephanie Droker for the heads up. The problem has been fixed and should not occur again.

 

On another note…CSEA Staff Development Day was a great success with a phenomenal speaker. For those of you who didn’t attend, Bob Fraley was the keynote speaker. Fraley has been the track and field coach at Fresno State for the past 28 years as well as taught at local high schools. Fraley announced his retirement after his visit to West Hills College Lemoore for CSEA Staff Development Day.

 

Fraley’s message that day was that “classifieds” have the opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life. He mentioned that “classifieds” are the face of West Hills.  

 

Fraley explained how everyday interaction with students has a positive impact on their lives. A simple "hello" and "how are you doing today" can even make a difference.

 

He went on to talk about who inspired him most through his education. It wasn’t the principal or any of his teachers; Fraley recalled his bus driver having the most impact in that part of his life.

 

Fraley brought a one-page handout along with his speech. On one side are the words, “Light a Spark. Become a Role Model.”

 

On the other side is a photocopied drawing of a man in a boat. Around the boat swim sharp-toothed sharks. Above the boat is a thick cloud with jagged lightening. Ahead, is a tropical island. Behind, the man’s family, friends and role models wave from a dock.

 

“Some days the sea is smooth as glass,” the caption reads, “while at other times the sea is rough and violent, with sharks encircling the ship, leaving the man traveling the rough waters in despair and wondering what the future holds.”

 

At the bottom, Fraley cites a Dartmouth Medical School study that claims nurturing can eliminate the effects of genes that cause aggression, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

Being employees of West Hills Community College District, we all have the opportunity to make a difference in students life. For some students, college is a new experience that can be a bit intimidating but with our help, students can go through their college experience with ease.