Meet Ms. Sara
A Heart for Youth: Insights from Sara at Expose Excellence Youth Program
Today, we're shining a spotlight on Sara, whose unique background and heartfelt approach deeply enrich our mission.
From Personal Roots to Professional Purpose
Sara’s journey to EEYP is deeply personal. Growing up as a first-generation Latina, she experienced the common challenges of growing up fast and helping her family navigate new environments. Yet, her mother always ensured she and her sisters had time to learn and explore new things, experiences Sara believes “planted seeds” in her heart. This foundation led her to work with youth professionally for almost six years, including a period in Alief ISD where she learned the dynamics of families and schools. She learned to provide equitable opportunities and be patient, creative, and adaptive to the diverse needs of families, whether it concerned housing, food, or legal assistance.
Her path to EEYP solidified when she partnered with the District Attorney's Office and conducted research with an institute of justice. Needing an internship to graduate, she heard about the EEYP opportunity from Ms. Raven and felt like this was meant to be.
A Week in the Life: Beyond the Desk
What does a typical week look like for Sara? It's dynamic and depends on the season. Her days often begin with a coffee and a prayer for patience, understanding, and focus. After handling emails and voicemails, she organizes travel tote boxes, as her work frequently involves traveling across Fort Bend County to meet community partners and support after-school programs in schools. She highlights that the job isn't about being "glued to our desks and computers," which is something she loves about it.
The Ultimate Reward: Witnessing Breakthroughs
For Sara, the most rewarding aspect of working with youth is witnessing their breakthroughs. This could be a student gaining confidence in public speaking or trying something new. Her favorite moments are when youth learn something new that becomes “forever part of them”. She describes seeing awe in their eyes, knowing she has successfully "planted a seed of wisdom" that will help them throughout their lives. This "newfound philosophy always makes me happy”.
Youth as Architects of Fort Bend County’s Future
When considering the youth's role in shaping Fort Bend County's future, Sara believes they are crucial because they have the time to deeply explore issues and the energy to express themselves. Unlike adults burdened by bills and work, youth “do not have much to lose”. She observes that youth are already influential in the current cultural landscape and possess a unique perspective, as "they see the human in everyone".
A Superpower for Youth and a Snack Identity!
If Sara could have any superpower to help youth overcome challenges, she would choose to freeze time. She explains that everyone could use more time, whether it's for completing assignments, arriving on time, or catching a bus. Freezing time would allow students to breathe and rest, especially those dealing with anxiety or needing a break to finish their classes strongly after working.
And if she were a snack at an EEYP event? Sara would be a Strawberry NutriGrain bar. Her reasoning? She's "sweet like the filling" and, like the bar, she "gets the job done" as an ideal breakfast when you’re running late.
Beyond EEYP: A Surprising Artistic Pursuit
Outside of her dedicated work with EEYP, Sara has a creative talent that might surprise people: she is currently exploring the world of sculpting using recyclable materials. This shows her commitment not only to nurturing young minds but also to sustainable creativity.
Sara’s deep empathy, practical approach, and belief in the power of youth make her an invaluable part of the Expose Excellence Youth Program.
