Ready, on day one

In 2023, Ku Say was called into her teacher's office at Sullivan High School in Chicago. "I was so nervous because I thought I was in trouble," Ku says. Her teacher introduced her to Cynthia, her Bridges Youth Employment Specialist, who told her about the program.

Ku was interested but nervous. They set up an appointment and talked more about jobs and Bridges. "Over time, we worked together on all of the things I needed to find a job and believe in myself and that I could do it."

Job interviews are hard for anyone. They're harder when the questions don't fit how you think, when the room is unfamiliar, when no one has walked you through what to expect. Cynthia sat with Ku through every step — practice interviews, application forms, the unwritten rules of a workplace.

When Ku was ready, they found her a job in guest services at Lincoln Park Zoo. The interview itself wasn't the obstacle. The preparation had been so thorough that the rest was just doing what she'd already practiced. She got the job. Coaching continued into her first months — when something surprised her, she had someone to call.

Ku liked the work so much, she told her good friend Maria about it and got her a job there too. "I love my job. I get to help people."

When Ku was nominated for her first Chicago award, she felt nervous. Cynthia told her if she was too nervous, she didn't have to speak — Cynthia would stand beside her at all times. "I felt more comfortable and gave the speech because I knew she was there for me no matter what." Ku found out about the national award on her birthday: "What a great birthday gift!"

Ku is now in college, working toward becoming a police officer — her dream. "Although it is hard for me sometimes, I am very proud and want to thank Bridges for making this all possible."