For Jessica Morales, a first-generation college student, starting college meant she was navigating applications, essays and an uncertain future without guidance.
“I didn’t really have anyone to rely on during that time,” Jessica said.
Growing up in a low-income household, Jessica was familiar with the feeling of not having the same opportunities as others.
“You would see other children have a prosperous life. And we always felt a little bit different,” she shared, emotionally. “I didn’t have, like all the resources necessary.”
That changed when Jessica was introduced to Valley of the Sun United Way’s Pathways to Economic Opportunity (Pathways) program as a high school senior, through one of her courses.
Pathways helps young women build skills, confidence and connections as they prepare for college and careers. Through a network of community organizations, employers and corporate partners, participants gain access to professional mentors, financial literacy and mental wellness workshops, work-based learning opportunities, school supplies, and internships that help remove barriers along the way.
For Jessica, one of the most meaningful parts was realizing she wasn’t alone.
“Growing up, I had a lot of struggles, and I felt like I didn’t have all of the support,” she said. “Hearing other students and learning about their backgrounds really helped me to feel more connected with them.”
Her mentor also helped Jessica prepare for the professional world, from navigating interviews to understanding what to expect from her first internship.
With that support, Jessica began building her own future. Now a sophomore at Arizona State University studying accountancy, she has worked on campus in the Dean of Students Office and as a multicultural community ambassador. She has also completed a Bank of America internship and secured opportunities with CliftonLarsonAllen and Wells Fargo, where she is pursuing commercial banking experience.
She is a straight-A student and has made the Dean’s List for three semesters.
Her goal is to become a certified public accountant – but Jessica hopes her impact will extend beyond her own career.
“I am a success story because I learned how to grow through the Pathways program,” Jessica said. “I really learned how to connect with myself and my culture, as well as learning that my hardships don’t define me.”
Jessica’s story is one example of what happens when a community comes together to invest in the next generation. Through Pathways to Economic Opportunity, Valley of the Sun United Way and its partners are helping young women build futures defined not by where they started, but by where they can go.
“I have been able to become a successful young lady, being able to provide others with advice as well,” Jessica shared, happily. “Thank you to Valley of the Sun United Way.”
Learn more about Pathways to Economic Opportunity at vsuw.org/pathways.
