“We are superior to everyone else”, was the motto of the secret group called "Pink Lady" that Jackie was involved in. As one of the pink ladies Jackie actively participated in fights, ditching classes and disrespecting teachers until Mr. Medina stepped in. One day when she was being her usual pink lady and ditched school, Mr. Medina caught her and made her to come to the YESS mentoring program. Initially, like the usual YESS mentee, she was very upset about the program as she felt it was a taboo to be a part of the program. She felt like she was labeled as the bad kid and the program was a punishment to her. However, with days and help from her mentors, she started improving in classes. The classes that she was failing, she started getting good grades and even made the honor roll. YESS mentoring program showed her that she could be so much more than just one of the pink ladies. She thus quit her “pink lady” team, and represented herself as the confident Jackie who is not afraid to work hard even if she fails. Her own transformation motivated her to become role model in other people’s life as well. Thus she later served as one of the mentor and the experience increased her own self respect and integrity. She recalls how people thought she couldn’t graduate from high school at all, but thanks to YESS mentoring program that changed her whole thought process and outlook towards life, that she not only made it through high school, but also got a year scholarship to community college of Denver. Currently, Jackie is studying languages at the University of Colima at Mexico. She says that, “YESS mentoring was a life changing experience for me both as a mentee and a mentor and I highly encourage freshman who are struggling to utilize this program. The mentors are there by choice because they want to help. So trust them and they will provide all the support they can. Also, I will be always grateful to Mr. Medina and Carlo for directing me towards the light in life”. – Jackie O.
