Where are they now?: Kristin Bakken Descalzo(Class of 2001)
Q: Current occupation
A: Full time mom to four amazing boys and part time pre-school aide at the City of Concord preschool.
Q: What post high school education did you pursue?
A: Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing from Chico State.
Q: Describe your career path and current occupation
A: When I graduated from Chico State I moved to Monterrey for a year and worked for Ferguson Enterprises in showroom sales. Then I got married and transferred to Concord, CA and continued to work with Ferguson in plumbing inside sales for the next four years. After my second son was born I stopped working for Ferguson and began volunteering in a Co-op preschool. I was lucky enough to do this for 10 years as my four children went through the preschool system. Once my youngest entered kindergarten I began my work as an aide. I teach toddler art classes, which I really enjoy. This job allows me to work a little bit outside the home and be 100% present for my boys and their after school activities.
Q: What JHS experience(s) helped prepare you for your future career?
A: Growing up in a small community you learn about the importance of building relationships and being a good community member while getting to know others on a personal level. Taking the time to know the people around you and being able to work with them is always important, regardless of the community size.
Q: Do you have a favorite high school memory you would like to share?
A: I loved working on the Homecoming float at the Cauzza house. Everyone painting, building, listening to music, eating great food and having fun with one another was so special. The parents and the community were always so supportive of us kids.
Q: How did attending JHS help form the person you are today?
A: Growing up in a small town like Julian you had so many opportunities to grow. You could play all kinds of sports, participate in clubs like FFA, and work a part time job. Julian is different in that there are so many ways to grow into a good human.
Q: What are you most proud of achieving since leaving JHS?
A: My family. I am proud of my family. I’m blessed that I have a beautiful home, my husband has a job that he loves and my 4 healthy boys who are doing well in school and their activities . My life isn’t glamorous and I’m not travelling the world, but I consider myself lucky and proud. I am blessed to have love and support from so many family members and friends.
Q: What were you passionate about in high school?
A: I had the opportunity to go to Sweden for a year as a foreign exchange student. I became more independent, learned how people live in other parts of the world and gained an appreciation for the differences we have with other countries and cultures.
Q: What are you passionate about now?
A: Besides my boys, their activities and my family, I enjoy painting and doing art for fun. I organized the painting of a community mural at the local elementary school and I also created a wine label for a neighbor and painted gifts for my friends, when I have time.
Q: What obstacle(s) have you faced that have helped mold you into the person you are today?
A: As a person with a learning disability, I struggled early in school. Through these struggles I became a hard worker and a self-advocate for getting the resources that I needed to succeed. These skills have been very useful throughout my life.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your high school self?
A: Being a hard worker and a good person is probably the strongest skill set for success in life. Don’t worry about what other people think, be yourself and live your own life. Follow your heart.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: I definitely want to be able to travel with my husband more often and see the world. Perhaps I will take some classes at the local community college in Early Childhood development to become a preschool teacher. I will always enjoy cheering on and supporting my boys.
