From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a writer. In second grade, I wrote a children’s book called “Life of a Penny.” My teacher, Mrs. Harker, entered it into a local competition, and to my surprise, it won. From that moment on, I knew writing was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

More than 30-plus years later, I feel fortunate to have enjoyed a career in journalism and publishing, working with newspapers, radio trade journals, and parenting magazines. I was lucky to discover my passion early. For many children and young adults, however, the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” can feel much harder to answer.

Last month, I had the honor of participating in El Camino Real Elementary School’s first-ever Career and College Day Fair. Sitting behind a table marked with a personalized “Journalist” sign, I met dozens of students eager to learn what it’s like to work as a writer and reporter. The event also featured professionals from healthcare, veterinary medicine, education, technology, and many other fields. The students’ curiosity, enthusiasm, and thoughtful questions reminded me of my own childhood dreams and the importance of encouraging young people to explore the many opportunities ahead of them.

Speaking of young writers, this issue features an inspiring seventh grader with remarkable creativity and talent. In “From Imagination to First Place: Seventh Grader Turns Farm Life into Award-Winning Story,” readers will meet Amelia Cobar, winner of the state’s “Imagine This” California agricultural story-writing contest sponsored by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. To learn more about Amelia and her imaginative story, turn to page 18.

In honor of Father’s Day, KCFM is also spotlighting a local dad in this month’s Hello, Happy Dad feature. In “Hello, Happy (Intentional) Dad: Chief Brent P. Stratton,” on page 14, Callie Collins shares the parenting philosophy and community vision of Bakersfield’s new police chief. Beyond his professional role, Chief Stratton opens up about what matters most to him: being a devoted husband of 22 years and father of four.

As summer brings more opportunities for extracurricular reading, KCFM has also compiled a list of must-reads celebrating Donald Duck, who turns 92 on June 9. In “Quacktastic Reads: Top Picks to Honor a Classic Character Still Quacking Strong,” on page 16, readers will find fun book recommendations inspired by the beloved Disney icon.

This month also highlights a meaningful tribute to local music history. A new exhibit at Beale Memorial Library is helping preserve the legacy of the Bakersfield Sound. In “Lost, Restored, Remembered: Bakersfield Sound Legends Return Home at Beale Memorial Library’s New Permanent Exhibit,” on page 8, readers can learn about Patti Peak Doolittle’s ten-piece portrait collection and the significance of preserving these historic works for future generations.

As summer unfolds, children will spend time exploring hobbies, trying new activities, and discovering different places. Those experiences may spark passions that shape future career paths in ways they cannot yet imagine. Encouraging kids to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities can open doors to exciting possibilities. Wishing all the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who lead by example a very special Father’s Day.

Happy Father’s Day!