Into The Unknown: First-Generation Dreams
A speech by Juan Molina delivered to a crowd of 220 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on May 1st, 2024. One of three speakers, Juan shared his personal journey and how Enterprise has impacted his life.
Juan Molina, Enterprise alumni and youth speaker at Heroes at Work – May 1st, 2024
“Success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about making a positive impact, both professionally and within our community.”
Good evening everyone, I hope you are all having a wonderful time. My name is Juan Molina. I was born and raised in El Salvador, mostly by my grandparents, may they rest in peace. I immigrated to the United States in 2016 to live with my mother, who arrived here in 2008. My move was driven by the desire for a better education and a brighter future.
I first encountered Enterprise for Youth when I was 17 years old and a senior at Mission High School. I participated in Job Readiness Training, attended workshops conducted by Meghan Smith-Chang and Carlo Solis, and experienced mock interviews.
In 2020, during the pandemic, I received a text from Carlo asking if I would like a summer job. I accepted without hesitation. This led to my first internship with Enterprise at the Climate Career Corps at Crocker-Amazon Park. After months of quarantine, working outdoors and interacting with other young adults was refreshing, peaceful, and fun, even though we were still wearing masks.
Juan Molina speaking on stage at Heroes at Work 2024 at Terra Gallery in San Francisco, CA
“Adapting to a new culture and language and trying to blend into society was difficult. However, as soon as I stepped through the doors of Enterprise for Youth, I was greeted with unwavering support and a community dedicated to nurturing our potential.”
In the summer of 2021, I worked at various parks, including McLaren Park and Cayuga Park, but primarily at Visitacion Valley, where I served as a program assistant.
Last summer, I returned as a program assistant at Fort Mason and the Presidio, where I met incredible young adults and fellow program assistants, Kimberly and Nolyn, as well as a great job coach, Josh Mausisa. Working with them was a lot of fun and very educational.
My journey with Enterprise for Youth began as a tentative step into the unknown. As an immigrant and first-generation student, it is challenging to find the guidance and resources needed to realize my dreams.
Adapting to a new culture and language and trying to blend into society was difficult. However, as soon as I stepped through the doors of Enterprise for Youth, I was greeted with unwavering support and a community dedicated to nurturing our potential.
Enterprise for Youth offered me more than just a program—it gave me a family committed to our growth, development, and success. Through their summer programs and job readiness training, they prepared us with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate the professional landscape.
I am currently studying Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration at San Francisco State University. My goal is to become proficient in software engineering or cybersecurity, and I am actively working toward that goal.
Enterprise taught me to always believe in myself, never doubt my capabilities, and not let fear hinder me from improving day by day. One of the most important lessons I learned from Enterprise for Youth was the emphasis on holistic growth.
They not only provided career-related skills, such as resume building and interview preparation but also emphasized the importance of personal qualities like character and integrity, always pushing us to excel. Success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about making a positive impact, both professionally and within our community.
