National celebrations observed in March include Irish-American Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, American Red Cross Month, National Frozen Food Month, and Talk with Your Teenager about Sex Month.
Moreover, March brings Daylight-Savings Time, the beginning of Lent, Saint Patrick’s Day and the beginning of Spring on March 20, a fresh start for the year. So what would the men in blue do if they could start over with a clean slate?
“Asked on the Line” conducted brief informal interviews with mainliners and asked, “If you could have any career you want—time and resources not an issue—what would it be? In addition to your success, to which community would you give back to or what charitable causes would you support?
The desires and intentions of the men on the mainline were impressive!
Darnell Hill would choose to be a sociologist and work with urban youth.
“I would give back to urban communities by working with adolescents ages 12 and up, especially those with PTSD,” said Hill.
Jesus Flores said that he would like to go to medical school and become a physician.
“I would give poor people reduced fee or free medical care, depending on their financial circumstances. Too many poor families, especially immigrant families, have little or no access to reasonable medical care,” said Flores.
Cleo Cloman would become a professional baseball player.
“I would focus on communities that are less fortunate. Money is not everything. Some communities have been destroyed because of money. Support uplifts a community. I would support them with leadership, community building, unselfishness, patience, focus, and determination,” said Cloman.
Bernard Moss and Adriel Ramirez would study the culinary arts.
Moss said, “I would be a chef in a four-star restaurant. I would give back to urban communities and I would want to teach chef skills to mostly at-risk youth and teach skills to help them move on and be successful in life.”
Ramirez would study to be a chef and work at a fancy restaurant. “After I am a successful chef at a restaurant, I would love to give back by helping poor families,” said Ramirez.
Valeray Richardson would operate a youth center.
“I feel that our youth of today have no place to go, so they turn to the streets. They need a place where they feel safe, with positive role models. I would then give back by helping my community. I feel that I tore it down under a false belief system. Now, I owe my community and I would help build it back up by helping the youth,” said Richardson.
Juan Arballo would study to be an electrician.
“I would support children with mental disabilities. By offering my time and, if possible, economic support, I would like to create a safe environment within their surroundings and places for them to go. I would also help create awareness for children with disabilities, “said Arballo.
Michael Tyler wants to be a Big Brother or an Uncle. “I want to be a Big Brother or an Uncle as a career. I want to be the support to all whenever I am needed. I want to create a system that reaches all communities,” said Tyler.
John Neblett wants a career as a poet, songwriter, playwright and actor.
According to Neblett, all of his career choices are also worthy causes. Neblett said he would be all of the above with “human liberty and dignity being the primary cause.”
Orlando Harris would love a career as a basketball coach. He would be open to coaching “young men at the collegiate or professional level,” said Harris. He would give back to Alameda County, specifically the City of Oakland. “I would love to help women who have had violence committed against them or victims of violent crime. I would want to help by offering counseling, safe haven housing, and creating a network of support to help women regain their lives,” said Harris.
Alexei Ruiz would choose to be either a soccer coach or a counselor. Upon becoming successful with his career, he would work with young children because they are the “future of the country.” Ruiz said, “I would begin by raising awareness with the parents about the importance of maintaining a close relationship with solid lines of communication, and when necessary, teach them some parenting skills. Then, I would work with the children; to try to maximize their potential and develop or nourish their self-esteem and teach them strong work ethics.”
