Nicolas Garcia and Alexis Thrower – profiled in the Q&A below – used their video training at JUSD to seed successful careers in the television news industry. They, along with thousands of other Jurupa alumni, have thrived in college and careers after graduation.
Indeed, JUSD offers a long and growing list of college and career pathways, including video production, as part of the district's focus on preparing every student for college, careers, and learning without limits for a lifetime.
The journeys of Nic and Alexis provide inspiring examples for other students, for educators, and for the Jurupa community.
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Nicolas Garcia, a graduate of Patriot High, is a general assignment reporter for NBC Montana, based in Missoula. He covers breaking news, local government, city events, and more by finding, writing, editing, and helping to film stories, as well as appearing live on-air for the station's evening news broadcasts. He graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a major in communications-broadcast journalism and a minor in political science.
Q. What are three things you love about your job?
A. There are so many things I love about my job! The top three: 1. I get to help people by bringing them the news and telling their stories. 2. I've always loved to write, so being a reporter allows me to write and be creative every day. 3. I love that I never know what I'm walking into any given workday. One day I might be reporting on a job fair and the next I'm covering the president (I've covered two presidential visits so far).
Q. What is the No. 1 thing you learned at JUSD that you apply in your career today?
A. I had amazing English teachers from grade school to high school at JUSD. I learned how to really sharpen my writing skills. I apply those skills every day.
Q. Describe the best aspects of your video production education at JUSD.
A. What was most helpful to me was creating different types of videos. Learning how to use the camera and edit. I became more comfortable with being on-camera and with using the software. I was having fun and learning at the same time. My high school memories of video and TV production are some of my most cherished.
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Q. Can you describe a memorable, funny or "aha" moment during your time in the video program at JUSD?
A. I can think of many. But there's one common factor in each memory: Mr. Ron Kahn. The first time I told him I wanted to pursue this career he believed in me. He encouraged me. He gave me opportunities to try different segments on PHS-TV. He gave me real feedback. Mr. Kahn made class so enjoyable and meaningful. It's because of teachers like him that students like me succeed.
[The admiration is mutual, said Mr. Kahn: "I had him as a student for three years. He was a terrific student and a great person."]
Q. What advice would you give students in JUSD video classes today, who might want to follow in your footsteps?
A. Journalism matters. I would encourage anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps to watch local news. I learned so much about how to put my stories together just by watching the news. Remember, the video production and TV industry is diverse. There are so many different jobs. Take the time to explore the career options. And most importantly, keep at it. It's a competitive industry, but never give up on yourself.
Q. What else would you like our readers to know about your time at JUSD, your career, or your approach to learning without limits?
A. There truly is no limit to the possibilities for students of JUSD. But education doesn't end after high school. It doesn't end after college or a certification program. We should never stop learning about new things, new people, new ideas. In my job sometimes I get to learn about things I've never heard of. I then get to go on TV a few hours later and teach my community about whatever I just learned. We all have to continue to learn, because the world is changing every day.
Alexis Thrower, a graduate of Rubidoux High, is a news producer and fill-in television news anchor for NBC16 in Eugene, Ore. She is the main point of contact for all decisions made in her newscasts – responsible for deciding which stories will air and in what order; coordinating with anchors, editors, director, reporters, and photographers; and reviewing scripts both locally and nationally.
"When the show is live," she said, "I must keep time, communicate with the anchors, as well as the reporters in the field, and be quick on my feet to find solutions if we are under or over time because the show must end at a specific time."
Alexis attended Cal State Los Angeles, double-majoring in communications & public relations and television, film & media studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in communication from Johns Hopkins University.
Q. Describe the best aspects of your video production education at JUSD.
A. Everyone I worked with was extremely hardworking and had such a positive attitude. If you were there after school, you wanted to be and everyone came with a desire to learn. Once you've found a career that fulfills you in that manner, you will have found your calling.
Q. What is the No. 1 thing you learned at JUSD that you apply in your career today?
A. Being in the video production club initially exposed me to TV news scriptwriting, which I do all day as a producer and news anchor.
Q. Can you describe a memorable, funny or "aha" moment during your time in the video program at JUSD?
A. I had countless disagreements with my teacher, Mr. Bailey! Haha! He had his vision of how things should be done and I had mine. Despite our differences, Mr. Bailey always presented me with the space to have an opinion and a vision, which sparked a tool necessary for collaboration.
Now, my entire line of work comprises collaborating with others. My "decisiveness" in high school has been the lifeline to my success thus far. This business is all about trying things out and learning from your mistakes, just as students are doing now by participating in the video program.
[According to Mr. Bailey, "Alexis brought joy, humor and commitment to excellence to our program, school, and community. She carved out her own path with true grit, persistence and a daily motivation that I admire. Alexis, without knowing it, challenged me to strive to be a better teacher."]
Q. What advice would you give students in JUSD video classes today, who might want to follow in your footsteps?
A. This industry is all about networking. Keep in contact with people you meet at professional mixers, send handwritten thank you cards after an interview, find a mentor and take them out for coffee or lunch, and pursue internships early in college. To get you started, I'd be happy to be one of your first resources. Feel free to email me at alexisthrowernews@gmail.com.
Q. What else would you like our readers to know about your time at JUSD, your career, or your approach to learning without limits?
A. This job is not all glitz and glamour. I am tested in more ways than one each day, and I am homesick, being away from family and friends and living in an unfamiliar state. You will constantly have to ask yourself, what sacrifices are you willing to make in order to be successful? Whatever you decide, stick to it and trust the process.
Q. How would you describe your career goals?
A. I would love to be a top news anchor in a large market, college instructor in communication studies, and write a book or two.
