Field Trip to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure with Mill Creek Middle School

On April 29, 2025, 7th and 8th-grade IGNITE Students from Mill Creek Middle School visited Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for a transformative Field Trip that blended career exploration, personal storytelling, and meaningful connection. Organized by a dedicated team of over 30 Oracle volunteers, the day was structured to help students see themselves in the world of tech, especially those who might not yet believe it’s a space where they belong.

The event began with an icebreaker and a series of rotating small group sessions, where students spent time with individual Oracle professionals to hear about their roles and backgrounds. These one-on-one and small group conversations created an intimate, welcoming environment where students could ask questions and connect personally with the volunteers. The diversity of experiences shared—from career journeys and educational struggles to navigating immigration and learning new languages—deeply resonated with the students. Educator ShiAnne Reeves noted how impactful it was for students to see women in leadership roles and to hear honest stories of overcoming obstacles.

Following the rotations, the group toured the Oracle offices and enjoyed lunch while listening to a powerful panel discussion. The Panelists—women from various departments and backgrounds—shared stories that reflected resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of asking for help. One Panelist shared how she often felt like others around her knew more, but realized that courage and self-belief were key to moving forward. Another spoke about her journey as a single mother, while others reflected on adapting to life in a new country or learning English. These stories brought visibility to paths often overlooked and offered students a sense of possibility.

For many students, especially those still learning English or acclimating to a new culture, this was a rare opportunity to be fully included. A Spanish-speaking Oracle volunteer was able to communicate directly with students in their native language, a detail that made a huge impact. As Reeves shared, “This is the first field trip where my Spanish-speaking students weren’t left out.”

This Field Trip wasn’t just about learning what a tech career might look like—it was about helping students envision themselves in it. Through personal connection, authentic storytelling, and a supportive environment, Oracle’s team helped open doors to the future for a group of young people ready to imagine what’s possible.