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The world is big—bigger for children like Michelle Martinez. Shy and reserved, Michelle’s first transition from home to school felt like an odyssey. The classroom was uncharted territory, but KidWorks… Continue Reading
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The world is big—bigger for children like Michelle Martinez. Shy and reserved, Michelle’s first transition from home to school felt like an odyssey. The classroom was uncharted territory, but KidWorks ensured that Michelle developed the skills to thrive in any environment.
Like many of our students, Michelle joined KidWorks’ preschool upon recommendation from a neighbor. Her mother learned about the opportunity from a trusted community partner whose children had also enrolled in preschool at KidWorks.
Shortly after their conversation, Michelle’s mother visited our Dan Donahue Center and met with the preschool team at KidWorks. The school environment and teachers, along with KidWorks proximity to their home, made enrolling here an easy decision.
Michelle attended her first day of preschool in 2009, but her first day was far from easy. She shared a close bond with her mother—leaving her at the door seemed impossible.
For months, Michelle struggled to acclimate to her new routine as a preschool student.
Drop-off heightened her anxiety. Michelle felt overwhelmed and alone. But the preschool team at KidWorks provided crucial emotional support during this big transition in her life.
“My preschool teachers helped me understand and feel that everything was going to be okay. I learned that it’s okay to step into something new, because they’re always going to be there for me, even as I step into new stages of life.”
Michelle Martinez
Alma Magaña, Early Learning/Family Specialist, was a pillar during Michelle’s time in preschool.
Recognizing that it was harder for Michelle to socialize, Alma extended her warmth and support. She encouraged Michelle to advocate for herself inside the classroom and build connections with her peers.
Michelle recalls making a close friend—her co-chef in the preschool’s play kitchen. Soon, they were even sitting together during quiet time with a book and a tiny cassette player with headphones.
With a friend by her side, preschool transformed into a site of wonder.
Tea parties. Mobile aquariums where Michelle touched sea stars and urchins. Each new experience helped Michelle understand that trying new things could be exciting. But her trip to the pumpkin patch at Irvine Regional Park was particularly special.
Everyone in her class was tasked with picking their own pumpkin to take home. Most students grabbed a pumpkin proportionate to a 3 or 4-year-old. Except one student who wanted the biggest pumpkin at the fair. Michelle laughs looking back at this moment.
Memories like these are a reminder that it’s okay to go off the beaten track—a lesson that she’s learned throughout the years at KidWorks.
“Developing social skills in the classroom made socializing less scary, especially when it came to chatting and reaching out to teachers at school. I got more comfortable asking for help. KidWorks helped me find my voice.”
Michelle left preschool empowered to explore new spaces. Her transition into K-12 education proved challenging, but KidWorks staff connected Michelle’s family with a therapist that supported her social and emotional development at school.
From first grade to her senior year of high school in 2021, Michelle built a strong support network at KidWorks. She joined the Youth Leadership Team (YLT), now known as Youth Community Leaders (YCL), during her last year in programming.
Michelle was reluctant to participate in YLT, but her friend encouraged her to join. Now, she appreciates what she learned during her time with the group.
“Community advocacy is something that’s stayed with me since my time in YLT. I always try to teach my brothers, friends, and family about the importance of community advocacy and what actually having a community means…connecting with the people around us.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator, leads the YCL team and encouraged Michelle to meaningfully engage with her community.
“I first met Michelle when she was in 8th grade, she’s always been a kind, smart, sweet young woman, and a great friend to all her peers. Through her participation in the Youth Leadership Team, I had the pleasure to see her step out of her comfort zone and step up to the several leadership opportunities that came her way such as serving our community through service projects or sharing her input in city meetings. Though she may be quiet, she is fierce, talented, and fun to be around. Michelle will always be a great moral compass for her peers and now students that she works with.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator
Joining YLT helped Michelle find her voice and build the skills to mobilize the next generation of leaders in her community.
Michelle is now a 3rd year education major at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She will begin her teaching credential program this upcoming spring with plans to work as an elementary school teacher after college. Michelle is excited to help students, like her, achieve success in the classroom.
Beyond the classroom, KidWorks continues to shape Michelle’s future. She looks forward to giving back to the community that’s supported her growth over the past 17 years.
“KidWorks instilled the importance of giving back to my community. After becoming a seasoned teacher, I’d love to go back and support KidWorks like they supported me throughout the years.”
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you empower students, like Michelle, to explore education fearlessly. 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