Throughout the day, students were treated to activities ranging from meet and greets with cancer center staff to learn more about their work and careers; a presentation on the research center and its clinical trials; and a special talk by Dr. Greg Daniels, MD/PhD, a leading researcher at the center, on cancer prevention and his work as an oncologist.  

A group of students was also given the opportunity to work with the nutritionists to learn about healthy eating and even made a pizza in the kitchen used to help teach cancer patients how to eat well while dealing with the disease and treatment.

According to Gina Varner, Clinical Trials Regulatory Coordinator, it was unprecedented to have such a large group of students visit their facility, especially high school freshman.  "But your students impressed everyone," she shared.  "I got several comments on how well behaved and respectful the students were. I think you may have even stolen a few of my employees who enjoyed the students so much they are now considering careers in education!"  

Their genuine interest in our students definitely showed.  “I like the fact that they always were talking to us and telling us their experiences," said 9th grader Diana M. "They were asking us about our goals."  Fellow classmate Liza S. shared, “We learned new things about careers and cancer. We learned a lot for just one trip”

Following their time at Moores Cancer Center, the students were led on a tour of the UCSD campus and attended a panel on being a college student, which was generously hosted by UCSD student guides.

A huge thank you to the entire staff at Moores Cancer Center, especially Gina Varner, who organized the trip, Susan Faerber, for conducting the cooking class, and Dr. Daniels, who took time out of clinic to speak to our students.  We would also like to thank the UCSD student guides, Erin Stryffeler, HSA Work-Based Learning Coordinator, for introducing us to Moores Cancer Center, and our trip chaperones Ms. DeBoer, Mr. Alvarez, Mr. Paluch and Ms. Contreras.

For more photos from the trip, visit our photo album.