Catalyst Success Stories
Real Lives, Real Impact!
Marcel
Quaylin
In an interview with Quaylin, a Career Bridge alumni, we discussed the profound impact the program had on his life. Quaylin shared how he initially overlooked opportunities that later became transformative:
"A lot of students just walk right past opportunities. Like I said, the first time I used to walk right past the room that Margena was setting up [for a Career Bridge workshop] in. But then the next time around, I came in there, and now, you know, it's been transformative."
One such opportunity was an internship at Intel during his 11th grade:
"In 11th grade, I was granted the opportunity to go to an internship at Intel. The impact that Intel had on my life was big. Being able to be around other professionals and people that are established in life gave me as a high school kid motivation to keep going and follow my passions."
Reflecting on his journey, Quaylin emphasized the long-term benefits of these experiences:
“I strongly believe that if I did not have that internship in high school, I would not be graduating from UC Berkeley."
Quaylin graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Social Welfare, a testament to the lasting influence of his internship experiences.
Ciarra
Gracie
Gracie, another Career Bridge alumni, reflected on her journey and the significant impact the program had on her personal and professional development. Gracie shared how Career Bridge not only shaped her career path but also inspired her to give back to her community:
"All of the support and the love, as well as the professional experience that I gained through Career Bridge, inspired me to go do work where I am acting as a mentor and a support system for other students. A lot of my peers who participated in the program did the exact same thing."
Gracie emphasized the foundational role Career Bridge played in her education and career:
"I worked at Martin Luther King Elementary School as a tutor and an assistant teacher for their STEM program. This really helped me develop my passion for working with students. The professional experience and financial support that I got from Career Bridge allowed me to live on campus and become a resident assistant, which opened up new career opportunities for me."
Reflecting on the broader impact of the program, Gracie noted:
"It's really important to remember that when you are supporting Career Bridge, you are not only pouring into the students who are currently in the program, but you're also having an impact on everybody that those students can help throughout their careers."
Gracie graduated from California State University, East Bay with a degree in Criminal Justice and Community Corrections, continuing her commitment to making a positive difference in her community.