Fulfilling Dreams
On March 14, 2019, Enterprise for Youth was privileged to hear Leydi’s deeply personal story about her family immigrating to this country from El Salvador. Leydi spoke in front of 220 guests at our Heroes at Work fundraising dinner and described how she was separated from her father for 10 years before being reunited with him. We want to give everyone the opportunity to hear her voice.
At Enterprise we are so proud to support Leydi, and all San Francisco youth, as they explore careers and learn how to be at work. Enterprise is humbled and honored to be a part of each youth’s positive future planning and the realization of their dreams.
Warmly,
Nínive Calegari
CEO Enterprise for Youth
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By Leydi….
I grew up in El Salvador where I lived with my mom and my grandfather. I went to school, but we didn’t have many resources.
I always wished my dad could have been with us, but he came to San Francisco when my mom was pregnant with me. He wanted to give us a better future. It was difficult to not have my dad around. It was like having an empty spot in my life. Sometimes I would go to my mom crying and tell her that I really wanted to see my father and that I wanted to get to know him not just by phone, but to know him in person. She told me that she missed him a lot too, but always reminded me that he was here in the United States for a reason and that one day I would meet him.
Then, when I was 10 years old, I met my dad. He was able to come see our family on a visit to El Salvador. When I first saw him, I went running for him. I didn’t have words. I was just crying with happiness. It was like a dream for me; a dream I did not want to wake up from.
Two years later, when I was 12, my mom and I decided to immigrate to the United States. We were in danger because of the gangs in El Salvador. I didn’t want to leave my grandfather, but I was excited to see my dad.
We crossed the border and we were taken by the police to a deportation center in Texas. It didn’t take that long for us to file the paperwork seeking asylum, and in a couple of hours, my mom and I were on a bus to San Francisco. We had to take several buses to get here, but after three days we finally arrived. My dad picked us up at the bus terminal and we went to have dinner together. I was so happy.
Because I came in March, we didn’t know that I could enroll in school, so we waited until August to do so. When August came, I was so excited to be in school again. But at the same time, I was afraid because I didn’t know anyone.
Learning English was hard and what made it even more difficult were the kids that used to laugh at me because of my accent. I told one teacher about this and she said it was my fault.
When I got to Mission High School, I was in classes with mostly newcomer kids. Teachers told me I was a great student and eventually by the 10th grade I was placed in regular classes. The next year, I was in the honors class and this year I am in AP classes.
I learned about Enterprise when Cristina, one of the program directors, came to Mission High School and told us about the program. Every Tuesday after school for three months, I learned how to prepare for a job interview, how to write a resume, and how to dress up for it.
Since I was little, I have always dreamed of being a lawyer or a doctor, so that I can help low-income people who can not afford these services.
This past summer, thanks to Enterprise, I had an internship at the Latino Community Foundation, and made over $1,000!! I was the receptionist. I was scared at first, but as time passed, I learned that trying your best will help you to achieve what you want.
My supervisor Amber often took me out to lunch and we’d have conversations about life. Other times the whole staff would have lunch together. What I loved most about the internship is that everyone treated each other like family.
My dream is to go to UC Berkeley, if they accept me. I will find out soon! So far, I’ve been accepted to Sacramento State, San Jose State, UC Merced, and UC Davis. I want to major in Biology and become some kind of doctor.
My dad has lived here and worked at Safeway for the past 17 years. My mom takes care of my little sister. Both of them are here tonight and I would like to thank them for all of their hard work. Can you please stand up?
Estoy haciendo todo lo que puedo para que se sientan orgullosos de mí, los quiero mucho. I am doing everything I can to make you proud of me. I love you.
Through my experience at Enterprise, I’ve learned that if I try hard enough I can do it.
I also believe if I hadn’t signed up for Enterprise, I would still be scared of talking, and still thinking I’m not good enough to get a good job or to let people see who I am.
Enterprise has taught me that when someone is going to love you, they are going to love you for who you are, not for who you are supposed to be. There is no reason to pretend to be someone that you aren’t.
Thank you, and thank you to all the people who support Enterprise and the hopes and dreams of young people like me.
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Enterprise for Youth empowers young people to prepare for and discover career opportunities. Youth cultivate their individual interests and potential through training, guidance, and employment experiences in supportive and diverse environments. enterpriseforyouth.org
