From reserved to leading at Universal Studios Hollywood

Corina Rodriguez was eager to find a job but had no idea how or where to begin. She headed to the Los Angeles Bridges office. She was reserved, often gave only one or two-word answers, and avoided eye contact.

After joining the program, Corina gradually grew in confidence, and soon began applying and interviewing. In March 2014, Universal Studios Hollywood offered her a job as a patio host.

Just before accepting, Corina talked to her Youth Employment Specialist about feeling intimidated. She was concerned about the daily commute, the hours, and the pressure of being surrounded by so many park guests. She doubted her ability to adapt. With encouragement and support from Bridges, Corina forged ahead.

Her Youth Employment Specialist visited her on the job regularly and helped her anticipate and rehearse customer-service scenarios. The practice paid off. Corina now regularly earns outstanding performance reviews and works 25-30 hours per week. With years of experience under her belt, she is now applying and interviewing for supervisor roles.

When Bridges leadership visited Los Angeles to meet with the LAUSD superintendent, Corina joined the meeting. She shared her Bridges story and what the program had meant to her. She not only impressed the superintendent — she impressed herself, realizing how far she'd come from the shy young woman who once feared accepting her first job.