Meet Mir.
He is a senior at Cal State Fullerton majoring in sociology. He plans to attend grad school to become a college counselor. This spring semester, he is excelling at being a positive role model to our Higher Ground youth emphasizing the importance of education in overcoming obstacles that may come their way. He believes his internship will be a success if he can instill a love of education in our youth.
What impression do you hope to leave with the youth?
“The impression I hope to leave with the youth is that despite the challenges you may face: economic, family, disability, cultural assimilation; you can achieve your dreams if you dedicate yourself to reaching your goal.”
Why did you choose to intern at Higher Ground?
“I interned at Higher Ground during the fall semester and fell in love with the children, staff, and organization as a whole. I didn't quite know what to expect when I first started my internship but quickly realized this is where I needed to be. I had a very unstable childhood and seeing these children remind me of myself at their age. I want to be able to provide them with a sense of self-worth and encourage them to strive higher than what society expects of them. Many of these children are growing up in marginalized communities and if Higher Ground provides them a brief respite from reality then I want to be a part of that and help them change their trajectory in a more positive direction.”
Kevin
Kevin is studying criminology and psychology at UCI with the goal to one day work for the FBI. He chose to intern at Higher Ground because he believes in the mission to expand purpose, possibilities, and hope for youth and families at-risk.
What do you hope to get out of working with the youth at Higher Ground this spring semester?
“To understand how to engage with the youth effectively.”
What impression do you hope to leave with the youth?
“Respect, care, responsibility, and success”
Diego
Diego currently attends UCI and is majoring in psychology and social behavior. He is still exploring career opportunities but knows he will be happy if he is creating a difference in someone’s life. This spring semester at Higher Ground, Diego hopes to work on his communication skills because he believes communication is key to help create bonds with the Higher Ground youth.
What impression do you hope to leave with the youth?
“I want to bond with the kids so they know they always have someone to count on. I am okay with not having everyone remember me, as long as a few do and think of me as a good person there is really not much more I can ask for.”
Why did you choose to intern at Higher Ground?
“I have worked/volunteered in parks and recreation in LA County for 2 and 1/2 years, and I thought being at Higher Ground which runs out of Lincoln Park would make me feel right at home.”
Steve
Steve attends Biola University where he is majoring in political science and minoring in biblical studies. Steve hopes to one day be a professor of Catholic Theology. He chose to intern at Higher Ground this semester because it sounded like a challenge, one he hopes to overcome.
What impression do you hope to leave with the youth?
“I hope to show them they are worth infinitely more than other people may say they are.”
What do you hope to get out of working with the youth at Higher Ground this spring semester?
“It’s less about what I can get out of it, and more what the kids can. I hope I’m able to gain a more competent, compassionate, and professional understanding of children and their experiences thus far in their life.”
Brenda
Brenda is a junior at Cal State Fullerton majoring in human services with an emphasis in mental health. Her goal is to attend grad school so she can work with youth and families in counseling. She chose to intern at Higher Ground this semester because she enjoyed the atmosphere during her orientation. She believes it is a perfect fit to gain experience as well as a great place to create bonds with the youth.
What do you hope to get out of working with the youth at Higher Ground this spring semester?
“This spring semester I am looking forward to connecting with all the kids and to be seen as a role model. I hope to learn how to deal with situations that may arise. Hopefully, I will gain positive experiences, grow as a person, and see the youth grow as well.
What impression do you hope to leave with the youth?
“I hope to help them realize there is always a positive side to everything and nothing is impossible to accomplish. I want to inspire the kids to pursue education.”
Mohamad
Mohamed is a senior at UCI, majoring in political science and minoring in biology. He is currently trying to decide between pursuing law school or med school. This is his second internship at Higher Ground. Mohamed decided to do a second internship so he can continue to help the Higher Ground community.
What do you hope to get out of working with the youth at Higher Ground this spring semester?
“I really wanted to give back to my community and I see this as the best option because it gives me the opportunity to positively impact the Higher Ground youth's future.”
What impression do you hope to leave with the youth?
“I hope to be a positive influence in their lives.”
Adriana
Adriana is a high school volunteer. She is a senior at University High School, and she is eagerly waiting to hear back from colleges. She hopes to get a BS in computer science and one day work in cyber-security. This spring she decided to volunteer her time at Higher Ground because she loves the tight-knit community where you’re able to get to know all the individuals well.
What do you hope to get out of working with the youth at Higher Ground this spring semester?
“I hope to gain good experience working with and teaching kids, and to put in some community service hours.”
What impression do you hope to leave with the youth?
“ I want them to see me as a strong positive leader who they will listen to and follow.”