Early Start …

By Parisa Nesva Derani, CPA

I recently spoke with two groups of pre-school students about being a CPA. Yes, you read correctly, pre-school—ages 2.5 to 6 years. When I volunteered to do this, the first thing I did was contact Jane Dunbar, our chapter’s program administrator, for suggestions from CalCPA. She, along with Melissa Thornton, CalCPA’s community outreach coordinator, came back with excellent examples of how to engage the kids through a Q&A.

On the day of the talk, I made sure I wore a suit, carried a briefcase and took an iPad. Most of the students were so interested and alert. They began the Q&A by asking what is a CPA, whether I work with people or things and if my work is fun. We were off to an amazing start! I had a long list of “things and activities” to share, but there was little need to access prepared information planned. The entire talk was lead by them. They asked questions about my briefcase, my suit and the iPad.

Along the way, I shared one technical piece of information, which did help: I mentioned it is the work of a CPA to make sure the school has enough money saved to pay for toys, books, play structures, materials, building and the teachers, so the school can stay open for them. They were impressed with that! And many of them said they have savings in a piggy bank. One student said that she goes to the bank with her mom every month to make a deposit into her savings account. Another student said he has a bucket for donations where he gives money to the church every Sunday.

It was so empowering and amazing to hear the children’s early ideas about saving, spending and donating! The whole talk was 15 minutes, and it was one of the most rewarding talks I have given. Moreover, the school must have thought it successful because the administrators and teachers asked me to return next year!

We have begun a fresh new year, full of hope and challenge. Our younger generation of CPAs is in the works. They will surely strive to be as great as those who have come before them. With that, I would like to extend sincere thanks to our past chapter presidents who work hard on behalf of CPAs and our profession through CalCPA: Jerry Nightingale (1999–01), Dennis A. Young (2001–02), Mitra M. Ehsanipour (2002–03), Andrew N. Newman (2003–04), Roger E. Stroud (2004–05) and Laarni C. von Ruden (2005–06). With your leadership, we continue to strive forward.

Please write your thoughts below or contact me.