Michele Martinez

Santa Ana
KidWorks HS Senior

How did you become involved with KidWorks?

I started KidWorks in preschool and it has been a part of my life ever since.

Share the most meaningful experiences you’ve had at KidWorks? What made them impactful to you?

Attending summer camp at Bass Lake was an amazing experience.  I strengthened my bonds with my friends and staff from KidWorks. It was at camp that I learned to take risks and be confident in myself.

Can you talk about some of the biggest obstacles KidWorks' programming overcame when you were involved?

Keeping students connected to KidWorks as our schedules got busier.

What does KidWorks mean to you? Looking back, how did KW help to shape your life? How did KW help to influence the person you are today

KidWorks is amazing - it is my second family.  I struggle with anxiety and can always count on the staff to support me.  I know that when I feel down, I can come to KidWorks and my day will get better.  I am also grateful that KidWorks is helping me prepare for college and a future career.

What are your dreams for KidWorks over the next 10, 20, or 30 years?

My dream for KidWorks would be to see them expand throughout the whole country, not just Santa Ana. I want to see them become a really big and well known organization that impacts students across the nation.

Anything else you would like to share about KidWorks?

KidWorks is an organization that saves kids' futures. It helps us gain a vision about what our future could look like if we stay focused in college and pursue a meaningful career. They help guide us to have a better future than our parents. They help not only our dreams to come true, but also our immigrant parents’ dreams to come true.