Drawn by Eric Leon
The Academy of Travel and Tourism (AOTT) was established on the campus of John C. Fremont Senior High in 1991. AOTT offers job readiness programs in which they prepare students for job interviews; they expose the students to the pressure of the entire job search process. Memorandums of understandings (MOUs) and resumes must be submitted timely, students learn the appropriate attire, and mock interviews are conducted. If the student succeeds in the mock interviews, they are provided with the opportunity of a paid internship. In the summer of 2008, students Arianna Herrera and Gary Largaespada had the opportunity to work at a law library and a law firm, respectively. Last summer, Erma Sinclair and Gabriela Briseno were selected to work at USC’s law library. All of them felt the entire experience was gratifying. AOTT students that go through the process also get the opportunity to compete for several scholarships. In July 2009, Arrianna and Ms. Davis traveled to Atlanta, Georgia where Arrianna received a $2,000 scholarship.
AOTT has many dedicated teachers such as Dr. Henry, Ms. Pyrko, Ms. Davis, Ms. Loggins, Mr. Jauregui and many more, they make hard work look easy, provide the necessary help so that students may succeed in classes and tests. They always encourage their students to do better and always provide extra help to those students that need it. Many times students are provided with one on one help. Most teachers in AOTT get emotional when they are asked how they feel about AOTT being disposed of. It is sad knowing that the reason behind that decision is political. “AOTT is the only Small Learning Community (SLC), on Fremont’s campus providing these programs and opportunities, as far as I know,” says Ms. Davis, “one of AOTT’s math teachers. When we asked our teachers what they love most about AOTT they answered, “We have the most spirit. We are one big family but most of all we love our students. We are teachers that not only teach, but also care about the well being of our students.”
With the conflicts that we are facing, many great teachers have made the decision to leave. Discussions with Fremont’s stakeholders prior to the decision to “reconstitute” our high school never occurred. No research was done to see which programs are viable at our school. We are in this predicament because of “top-down” management. Yet we are faced with more of the same. Scheduling decisions have already been made. All of the existing SLCs are gone (including AOTT sister academy, Humanitas). Teachers and staff are not encouraged to stay considering the actions and decisions that have taken place, as well as what is expected to be in place on July 1.
Many students are disappointed and wonder why are they getting rid of teachers that are doing their best to help their students? It is an irrational decision! AOTT is like a second family to many of the students as well as the teachers. We are the family that the students can come to when their first family fails to provide them with support. Teachers are always there when the students need them both academically and emotionally. [Case in point, as this article is being written, a former student (class of ’08) sought out
Ms. Davis for assistance in passing the upcoming CAHSEE.] These teachers are guides and mentors in each of their student’s lives helping them to achieve a better future. These teachers make AOTT feel like a family!
Being part of AOTT has been a great experience. We have gone on fun field trips like the Tour of Los Angeles, had guest speakers, and created many memories, memories that we will always cherish. How can we forget when all the teachers and students gathered to take a crazy funny picture at the Santa Monica Pier? How can we forget the school spirit rallies we attended? Even though we would hardly win any of the games, we enjoyed ourselves in each other’s company as we cheered on our team, our SLC, our family. It is senseless to take our family away when all AOTT has done for us is bring love and joy to our hearts and lives. If there is no AOTT next year, then there is absolutely no point in even attending Fremont next year. Most likely classes will be taught by teachers who care only about the money unlike the great teachers that we now have lost.
By: AOTT students
