LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital recently hosted three students of Mendocino College’s Math Engineering Science Achievement, or MESA, program, which specializes in helping students in mathematics, science and engineering develop their careers.

The students spent the day orienting themselves with the hospital environment, as well as asking questions of industry professionals.

“We’re proud to partner with Mendocino College to give students an idea of the medical careers that are available locally,” said Dan Peterson, chief administrative officer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “Health care is such a rewarding field, and a hospital environment is an exciting place to work. We want to ensure that students in the area realize that they don’t have to leave Lake County to pursue a medical profession.”

The MESA program at Mendocino College encourages students with similar degree fields to support one another in achieving a four year degree and pursuing a career.

Tutoring, study groups, and academic advising for participants also contribute to student success.

Additionally, MESA students are able to participate in field trips, networking events, and professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, and career panels.

MESA students Jose Araiza, 19, Marco Toledo, 21, and Magali Reyes, 19, took the opportunity to gain more insight at Sutter Lakeside Hospital about prospective medical careers.

“I got to ask questions and jot down important notes on the different ways to become an employee in the medical field,” said Araiza. “The shadow day made me realize that the medical field is where I want to be. The professionalism and teamwork made me think about how awesome it could be to work in a hospital.”

“College is the place to grow as an individual,” said Araiza. “Meeting new people and learning new things is an awesome way to gain skills that will help you throughout life.”

“I’m hoping to go into a surgical career,” said Reyes. “Since I was a little kid, I’ve been around hospitals and it’s always been interesting to me. There really is more than one way to get where you want to be in medicine. Shadowing made me less anxious; there are multiple ways to reach my goal. Being at the hospital was a great experience for me. I really enjoyed it.”

“My favorite part was getting to see how big the hospital was inside,” said Toledo. “By shadowing, I felt more motivated, knowing that if I keep working hard I will become a public health nurse.

“Students should know if they are going to college, they should definitely try shadowing any field they are interested in. They will get a better grasp of what’s ahead.”

“MESA is lucky to have Sutter Lakeside Hospital as a partner,” said Amanda Xu, Ph.D., MESA/STEM director at Mendocino College. “The welcoming wealth of knowledge truly inspired the students to strive towards their career goals.”

For more information about Sutter Lakeside Hospital, please call 707-262-5000 or visit www.sutterlakeside.org .

Morgen Wells is community relations and fund development coordinator for Sutter Lakeside Hospital.