Summer Learning : 3 Youths Share What Working Has Taught Them : ‘Better Prepared for My College Education’

The lazy days of summer are anything but for Jennie Fuguet, Brent McFarland and Claudia Rios.

The three Southland youths are among the 23 million young people nationwide who are working at summer jobs this year.

The Times asked Fuguet, McFarland and Rios to write about their summer job experiences. Their following essays, edited by Times staff writer Jesus Sanchez, show that the three have already learned a wide range of skills. For example, Fuguet, 16, who works behind the concession stand at the Edwards Cinema Crown Valley theater in Mission Viejo, has learned about the importance of customer relations.

McFarland, 17, of San Pedro has been trained to use a computer to draw blueprints at Rodin Bieberly Associates, an architectural firm. Rios, 18, has put her bilingual skills to work at Kaiser Permanente’s Los Angeles Medical Center.

I had wanted this job for a year. I have been with the firm almost 7 1/2 months, and I’m still learning a great deal about the trade.

I learned how to deal with clients, my co-workers and architectural professionals on a daily basis. I learned little things. For example, I know how to keep files organized by numerical order, do small detail work and drawings and deal with a much more mature environment than I have in school.

What is really important is that I am learning the difference between real life and on-the-job stress, which cannot be taught in school. I have more responsibility now to solve problems, measure dimensions with accuracy and learn to be on time. I know I will be better prepared for my college education.

Just recently, I have started to learn a computer system called Auto-Cad, which means computer assisted designs. My interest in learning the system was recognized by my boss, who then began to help me understand confusing problems. I am permitted to use the program, and I sometimes sit for hours enjoying the challenge. I believe computer assistance (training) has a future in architecture, and it will be the biggest step toward my college major next year.