During my first year as an educator, one of my students attempted suicide while at school. This shocking wake-up call helped me grow to realize that young people might be prepared academically, but they were not equipped to select a viable career pathway, communicate their ideas, or deal with the challenges, as one of my seniors put it plainly, of “being a human.”

At the time, I thought the solution would be to become a psychology research coordinator to understand underlying factors to create future change. However, after working as a researcher, I realized how much research already existed but was not being translated to directly impact young people’s lives.

So, I left the lab and stepped back into the classroom. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it yet, but I was married to the idea of partnering with schools and nonprofits to develop and deliver innovative initiatives that prepared young people for life. 

Since taking the courageous plunge, I have felt grateful for all the passionate educators, community leaders, and young people I’ve met along the way. The students in our programs bring so much joy and enthusiasm each day. They are indeed the future of the workforce and the future of our local communities.