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“College really gives people the opportunity to find something they love and to work in that field.” – Ricky (‘18)
For many students, the path to college and career success can be daunting, especially for youth who don’t have a strong academic or professional network. Ricky, a Reality Changers graduate, had support from organization mentors who helped him succeed in high school, graduate from college, and land his first job.
Discovering Strength Through Support
When Ricky first heard about Reality Changers, he was hesitant to join the program. He felt confident in his academic abilities and didn’t think he needed the help. “I was like, ‘I can figure all this stuff out myself,’” he recalls. However, as he stayed involved, he began to realize that Reality Changers’ resources went far beyond academic support. The staff and volunteers showed him new opportunities that would help shape his future; such as ‘Academic Connections’ a three-week summer college experience at UC San Diego. “It got my brain going,” he explains, “before Reality Changers, I didn’t really understand, like, what a university even was.”
During afterschool programs, Ricky participated in tutoring, public speaking, and college readiness activities. Reality Changers introduced him to mentors and helped him build his self-confidence. “Reality Changers taught me how to come out of my shell,” he says. “I think they really helped me become a more social person.” His tutors got to know him personally. He had one tutor, for example, who shared his love of wordplay and riddles. The tutor would bring a new riddle every week for Ricky to puzzle out.
MAKING COLLEGE DREAMS A REALITY
During his senior year of high school, Ricky applied to colleges with support from Reality Changers. “They really helped me out on every step of the college application process.”
He was accepted to UC San Diego and was awarded a scholarship through the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program. “That scholarship was just such a tremendous opportunity,” he says. “That’s when I realized that UCSD was a possibility for me, not just a dream.”
THE JOURNEY TO GRADUATION DAY
Throughout college, Ricky stayed in touch with one of his Reality Changers tutors (the same one who shared his love of riddles!). Ricky initially started school as a psychology major, but his former tutor encouraged him to stick with his strengths and interests. “Math was always my favorite subject in school, but I didn’t want to study math in university because I thought I wouldn’t be cut out for it,” Ricky explains. “My mentor really believed in me though. He said, ‘I think you’re mathematically inclined. I would love for you to do something STEM related. It would be a good use of your talents.’”
So, following his mentor’s advice, Ricky became a Math and Computer Science major. He proudly graduated in 2022.
TURNING PASSION INTO A CAREER
Ricky is glad that he switched majors and grateful for the push from his mentor. His education is directly useful in his current job: software engineer for a cybersecurity company. He feels fortunate to have this role; “I know how hard my parents work in jobs that don’t require a degree. I feel really blessed to be able to work in an office. I don’t have to be on my feet all day. I’m actually doing something that I love.”
Giving Back and Inspiring Others
As Ricky continues to thrive in his career, he never forgets the effect that Reality Changers had on his life. He currently volunteers as a tutor and mentor. “I’ve seen this program impact so many kids in the best way possible,” he reflects. “Kids like me that grew up super shy are now very competent public speakers. Students who never thought they could go to college are now attending some of the top schools in the country.”
And Ricky wants to make sure that everyone has that opportunity. Recently, his mother was considering moving away from San Diego, which would mean pulling his younger brother out of the program. Ricky told her, “Mom, I don’t know if there are programs like Reality Changers over there. This is a really important program and I believe in it. We need to keep [my brother] here until he gets into college.”
Ricky believes in the transformative power of Reality Changers because he has seen it first-hand. As a volunteer and an older brother, it is important to him to give back, investing his time and energy in future first-generation college graduates.
You can help support Ricky’s efforts. Donate today to ensure that Ricky and other mentors have the resources they need to help students identify their strengths and pursue their passions.
