I come from an area in San Diego where if you look like me, you might end up in jail or selling drugs, and that reality made finding the strength to believe in myself hard. During my time in the Leadership Program, I formed an unbreakable bond with my cohort, who helped push me through life’s obstacles both on and off the trail. Thanks to Outdoor Outreach, my community now consists of trailblazers, and I could not be more proud.
I joined SOS in 2001 and progressed through 7 years of SOS programs. Through SOS, I had the opportunity to complete a job shadow at an interior design firm and fell in love with it. SOS gave me the community I needed to gain confidence in my ability to succeed in whatever I put my mind to. I moved to New York City and I am currently pursuing my dream of working in interior design thanks to the people at SOS who believed in me.
STOKED has helped me gain a new perspective and learn how to navigate the trails of life in a more positive way. Through STOKED I get to assist with teaching kids and gain a community of genuine people who want to impact the world in a positive way. I have to wake up at 5am to get to school but knowing I get to go to STOKED at the end of the day makes it all worth it.