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Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part… Continue Reading
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Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part of his vocabulary. Over his 18 years with KidWorks, Jesse’s gotten more comfortable with the idea—thanks to the support of a special staff member!
Outreach efforts brought Jesse to KidWorks in 2008. The Cadena household received a letter via mail informing them of opportunities for early childhood education at our Dan Donahue Center (DDC). Located walking distance from DDC, Jesse’s parents chose to enroll him in preschool at KidWorks.
Jesse and his mom had an easy commute; they walked over to the preschool’s lively classroom each morning. But navigating school wasn’t the easiest for Jesse.
Learning was often a solo experience—one-on-one math drills with his father at home. Preschool, on the other hand, urged Jesse to learn alongside his classmates and share new experiences.
Idalia Galdamez, Preschool Director, worked with Jesse to deepen his relationships with peers and encourage his academic prowess in the classroom.
“I was Jesse’s lead teacher and the site supervisor at KidWorks when he attended preschool. Jesse had lot of potential to be a leader. He loved to help organize around the classroom and guide other students, despite being a bit shy. His peers followed, as he was everyone’s most liked friend. By the end of the year in 2009, Jesse was also a whiz at math and the top of the class. He knew all his colors, shapes, letters and identified 101 numbers without error. Jesse truly excelled in everything he did!”
Idalia Galdamez, preschool Director
With Idalia’s guidance, Jesse created lasting memories during his time in preschool. One, however, stands out above the rest.
Preschool graduation was Jesse’s first academic milestone, an achievement he shared with the two most important people in his life. Both of his parents were present as he walked across the stage in his blue robes. Jesse’s father even took a day off from work to attend—a rare occurrence in the Cadena household and one Jesse fondly remembers.
On that special day, Jesse recalls feeling celebrated and encouraged to pursue his dreams for the first time. This support motivated him to excel throughout his K-12 education.
“Going to preschool at KidWorks gave me a headstart when I started going to school. I was ahead of other kids when it came to my academics and most importantly, I was excited to learn.”
Jesse was an honors student throughout elementary and middle school. However, social dynamics at school grew more complicated each year. Soon the throes of Jesse’s pre-teen years became impossible to ignore.
He knew he needed a support system, but Jesse didn’t know where to start his search. That was until 7th grade, when he met a special staff member at KidWorks that changed his life for the better.
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager, extended her support to Jesse soon after joining the KidWorks team in 2015. With her bubbly personality and commitment to ensuring student success, Rachel provided a safe space for Jesse to share his day-to-day anxieties.
“When I met Jesse as a quiet, thoughtful seventh grader, I knew building trust would take time. At the time, I was a young Program Assistant in the Afterschool program learning how to support students. Jesse taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: the power of consistent presence. Year after year, in different capacities, I have had the privilege of walking alongside him, and I’m so grateful that our relationship has continued long after he graduated from KidWorks. Jesse has become an incredible young man. He has shaped the way I care for others and continues to remind me why relationships matter so deeply.”
Rachel cervantes, volunteer manager
Rachel and Jesse have built an unshakable trust in one another—something that allows them to tackle difficult topics, such as mental health, interpersonal relationships, and academics.
“Rachel is like a mother figure to me. Even after graduating from KidWorks in 2022, she’s kept in touch with me and provided essential support. Even after long periods of not talking, Rachel makes sure to ask how I’m doing. I know she’ll always be in my life.”
Jesse is now a Quality Controller at Oakley with dreams of retiring his dad before he reaches his 67th birthday—there’s also hopes of a 10-car garage in his future.
As he reflects on his time at KidWorks, he’s grateful to have built a strong support network. He hopes his younger brother, Aiden, builds a bond to similar to his friendship with Rachel, because everyone deserves to have a Rachel in their life.
Jesse concludes our preschool’s 20th anniversary celebration with a piece of advice for any parents thinking of choosing KidWorks for their child’s early childhood education:
“Parents should enroll their students at KidWorks because they’re going to get a lot of support with academics and advice. Everyone here is very welcoming. They treat you like family!”
Jesse cadena
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you encourage students, like Jesse, to build meaningful relationships with KidWorks students and staff. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant