Chester alumni returns to his roots for a special visit

Joshua Torres, a Chester Academy Class of 2021 and Binghamton University Class of 2025 graduate, treated students in Tara Frambach’s and Victoria Brink’s second grade class to a special visit on Monday afternoon, speaking to students about his educational journey and how he utilizes what he learned in the classroom everyday. 

“It is so rewarding to welcome former students back into the classroom to share their career journeys and experiences of what responsible adult life looks like,” said Ms. Farambach, who coordinated the visit. “I can’t wait to see how today’s second graders will one day choose to impact the world. Full-circle moments like these matter!”

Having alumni speak with current students is essential for offering real-world and career guidance, while creating inspiration and motivation for students. Additionally, it allows students to gain perspective on life after graduation, and the challenges and possibilities that come with it.

Joshua presented to the class, starting off with teaching them what an alumni is as he went through his educational journey. Joshua started his academic path at Chester Elementary School, graduating in 2014. He proceeded his education at Chester Academy, where he attended middle school and high school. 

After graduating high school, Joshua attended Binghamton University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During his time at university, Joshua was very active on campus, participating in Christian Fellowship, InterVarsity, Basketball and Flag Football. Joshua also took part in student internships while attending university, assisting patients at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

With 18-plus years of education under his belt, Joshua still has over 10 years of school to complete, with hopes of becoming a doctor. Currently, Joshua works as a full-time medical assistant in preparation for medical school, aiding patients through their doctor visits by checking their vitals, drawing blood and refilling prescriptions.

Joshua emphasized to students the importance of their education, and how he uses what he learned in the classroom everyday. He touched upon how math is utilized in his job to help doctors treat patients better. Reading is fundamental, as Joshua highlighted in his presentation: “Reading is used everyday, regardless of the job that you do - the better you can read, the easier your life will be!”

Joshua even showed students how he utilizes his linguistic skills to sound out big pharmaceutical terms he may not know, such as rosuvastatin and pantoprazole.

“Knowing how to read and after all these years of school, I still use my reading skills to sound out words like this that may not make sense to you,” Joshua said.

Thank you Joshua for visiting our students and inspiring the next generation! The Chester Union Free School District could not be more proud of you and your accomplishments thus far.