Career Pathways is a weekly class at Thoreau. Every Thursday, representatives from various industries speak to our students about their jobs. This year, we have heard from the following speakers.
For last year's Career Pathways click here!!!
Patrick Rush
Patrick Rush, a casting directer, shared with us experiences with the many shows and movies he has worked on. Everwood, Dawson's Creek, are just a few of the projects he's worked on, along with various movies.
Peter Hankwitz
Peter Hankwitz, Talent Manager, discussed how he was brought into the business, and the ups and downs of being involved in such a demanding industry.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Key
Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Key spoke about life in the Marine Corps and his love of the country. He is currently serving in eastern Iraq
Dr. Mitch Carter & Dr. Randy Talai
Dr. Mitch Carter & Dr. Randy Talai, Chiropractors. Discussed good health and good alignment in all aspects of our lives.
Nancy Oliver
Nancy Oliver, staff writer for the HBO show 6 feet under, discussed how writers work on hour long television shows and how fun it is for her to work on such an interesting show.
Bob Swanson
Bob Swanson, the postmaster of Canoga Park, spoke to the students about the jobs available in the postal service.
Vince Beene
Vince Beene, Unit production manager for the MTVshow "Dismissed", explained to us the ins and outs of working at MTV. He also gave students Dismissed cup holders, so he was a big hit.
Kenny Rosen
Kenny Rosen, sunglass salesman. He discussed the world of sales. He brought many brand names and allowed the students to try them on
Scott Hamilton Kennedy
Documentary film director Scott Hamilton Kennedy spoke to our students about the process of making the film OT: Our Town at Dominguez High School in Compton. After viewing the film, students given first-hand information about how a documentary is made.
Lisa Allen
Lisa is a vice-president for Warner Brothers records. Ms. Allen gave us the inside scoop about the recording business and answered questions about some of our favorite recording artists.
Viki Generous
Viki, a Thoreau graduate, is an information operator for our local phone company. She entertained students with stories about difficult customers and explained how to get a job with the phone company after graduating high school.
Jill Dixon, Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Jill has visited Thoreau High School two years in a row. She is popular with our students and has many fascinating stories to tell about her work in the Ventura County F.B.I. office.
Alex Hill, Laser Technician
Alex explained the ins and outs of the special effects industry. He impressed our students with a live laser show and video clips he has helped produce. Alex answered questions about how to break into the industry and about the latest special effects techniques.
Michael Lund, Photographer
Michael Lund is a wedding photographer for one of the most exclusive photography studios in Southern California, David Michael Photography. He described a day in the life of a photographer and surprised the students by handing out free rolls of film.
David Robertson, Music Video Producer
David Robertson is one of our most popular speakers. He has produced music videos for Rancid, Tiger Army, the Distillers and Metallica. He mentors several students at Thoreau and has been exceptionally generous to our school.
Rod Pearce
Rod Pearce is an advisor from West Valley Occupational Center. He explained how to apply to the school, the benefits of attending there, and the unique programs they offer.
Buck & Sonia Mc Dancer are stunt coordinators who have worked in hundreds of movies, television shows, and commercials. They explained the tricks of the trade and described the high points of their careers.
The Los Angeles Fire Fighters spoke to our students in September, 2002. They spoke about the arduous training a firefighter needs. A student was asked to put ona uniform, belt, and boots in 30 seconds, which is what is expected ofa fire fighter. The uniform weighs over 50 pounds.
J. Gregory is the Production Coordinator for the Drew Carey Show. He spoke to the class about how to have a career in the television industry and about what it takes to produce a weekly sit-com.
Jodi Huff is a teacher at Miliken Middle School. She spoke about the teaching profession and what she loves about it.
Mikel Jollet is the Music Editor for SOMA magazine. He spoke about the music industry, what his job entails, trends in popular music, and how to write and polish essays about music.
Scott Setterberg is the Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Animation. Scott talked to our students about special effects, internships at Warners Bros. and the college courses needed to work at a major studio.
Danny Trejo spoke to the students about his life as an EX-con, a drug counselor, and finally an actor. His life, from doing time at Folson prison to acting the part of a criminal in Con Air, was an inspiration to all of us.