From a 504 plan to a management offer and SF State for Psychology
Bryan once navigated emotional and behavioral struggles under a 504 plan, and there were real concerns about whether he could handle work and school. He's now in his final semester of community college, accepted to SF State for Psychology, and was just offered a management role.
Bryan Mejia Cervantes was a senior in high school when his Youth Employment Specialist met him. His goal at the time was simple: get a job, figure out how he was going to survive in college.
Today, Bryan is in his final semester at Contra Costa Community College District and has been accepted to San Francisco State University, where he'll study Psychology. Since high school, he's worked multiple jobs while carrying 12+ units a semester. At his current job, after several months, he was recently offered a management role.
The path here wasn't smooth. As a student, Bryan navigated emotional and behavioral struggles under a 504 plan. There were real concerns about whether he could manage work and school at the same time. He sought counseling. He committed to his own growth, building healthy coping skills, learning to regulate his emotions, building the resilience the work and school both demanded.
He grew up in Richmond, where resources can feel limited. He didn't make excuses. He created opportunities.
Today Bryan supports his family. He maintains a positive outlook through difficulty. He shows up consistently, works hard, and is being asked to lead. He's no longer the senior just trying to survive.
Stories like this happen because of partnership.
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