"During the most difficult season of my life when I was studying for the LSAT to be admitted to a competitive law school, I also took on the added challenge of becoming a mentor with MFC.

I found greater motivation to continue with my studies knowing that I was a role model for my mentee Jorge who was also navigating difficult circumstances. My working full-time to help provide for my family and save money to finance my graduate education, while also serving as a mentor, inspired my mentee Jorge to keep working toward his aspirations to graduate, help provide for his multigenerational household, and pursue his highest career objectives in the field of his choice. Through the many moments we shared candidly about our families, perspectives on life, dreams, and love and hope for humanity, we mutually grew in spirit, understanding, and resolve. This is what I found most rewarding about mentoring: I not only gave but received inspiration.

Growing up poor, undocumented, and in underserved communities has always fueled my passion to empower youth who also come from where I am from. It is why I am so grateful for MFC. I could have easily been one of the adolescents benefiting from the services they provide. As I continue to work toward accomplishing my professional and societal goals and dreams, MFC will continue to be an important ally in my life."

"In my life I have come across various mentors who have helped shape and transform my perspective on life. I strongly believe my success is attributable to the advice and guidance I received throughout my challenges in high school and college.

When I stressed about my studies and faced personal problems that seemed impossible to deal with, talking with my mentor allowed me to seek the advice and guidance to deal with my difficult situations. My mentors helped me get into college and consistently gave me advice to advance my career path.

I recall the time I suffered a great loss of kin and despite having to deal with this difficulty, my mentor was there to offer me support and encouraged me to stay on track with my studies and not give up.

I value mentorship and thus have served as a mentor in collaboration with my university, workplace, and MFC. I believe it is our responsibility to mentor diverse youth, especially those who have not grown up with the incalculable benefits of economic/social/educational advantages.

As a mentor, I seek to equip the next generation of diverse talents so that they too can dream expansively and pursue their ambitions with grit."