After years of creative brainstorming, SCHS practical life skill teachers, teachers who work with special education students, have created an interactive way for their students to practice life skills by providing the staff with the Bruin Cart. Offering a variety of refreshments and baked goods, teachers are able to trade money for sweet treats, and they can even tip students for their efforts.
Practical life skills teacher Cris Syquia explained that it took years of hard work to make progress in bringing their cart plans to life. As the life skills teachers come together to curate ideas in regards to what is being sold through the cart, from boba, matcha and empanadas, they create recipes to cook with students in order to sell to teachers on campus.
“We really wanted to come out with a new beverage, something different, something refreshing, and the weather is getting warmer. We want to focus on other drinks to fit the seasons,” Syquia said.
Students operating the cart practice social skills as well as practical skills, such as using a mixer and working with money. From hall to hall, Bruin Cart operators interact with teachers of every subject, allowing themselves to express who they are, increasing the potential to make new friends.
Practical life skills teacher Puja Vaish explained the duality and the potential for growth for both the teachers and students, from being behind the scenes and curating specialty sweet treats, to learning and taking away from the distribution process.
“It’s a learning process not only for students but for us too. It’s amazing how much they are learning and how much they are getting aware about how our business is being run and doing things independently,” Vaish said.
Apart from seasonal treats, such as special Valentine’s Day cookies and green St. Patrick’s Day matcha, the Bruin Cart offers other goodies and snacks teachers can purchase. They can also leave tips to those who contribute to the distribution.
Paraeducator Alec Siudzinski discussed the positive reception he has received around campus, not only from staff but also from students. Siudzinski explained that many students have questioned whether they are able to purchase cookies, looking forward to contributing to the successful small run business.
“Teachers love to see students excel. All the teachers love seeing these students show up at their door with confidence and handing out their cookies,” Siudzinski said. “They just love being out there in the normal hallways.”
Although early in the process of running the Bruin Cart, practical life skills teachers discussed potentially expanding the small business in the future. Paraeducator Jade Imai expressed her love for watching the students grow out of their shells and shared what it means for students to be their own person.
“Interacting with other teachers in the hallway and making friends along the way, other students get curious seeing the whole process of it,” Imai said.
Paraeducator Elvira Martin noted the collaborative effort of the students and staff involved, commenting on the purpose and drive in which everyone collectively is united, working toward the same goal.
“We’re all together, helping each other. To me, I think it gives them a sense of satisfaction and to us as well,” Martin said.
Vaish explained that granting the students their own responsibilities leads to an improved sense of confidence, allowing them to understand the concept of running a business and finding their own footing.
“Every person is unique. Giving them an opportunity to show the skills they have, they come out of their shell,” Vaish said. “They may not be successful academically, but they have so many other skills that blossom when you provide them an opportunity.”