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Student Success Stories

Our Exceptional Students – In Their Own Words

Devonna: “So much love that you just get tired of it”

Honestly, I joined BUILD because they offered free pizza AND to see what it was like to start my own company. Little did I know that I was entering a new family that would pick me up when I fell, show me how to become successful, and shower me with love. BUILD has given me the greatest gift I ever received: LOVE. The kind of love that just won’t stop calling you to remind you to stay on top of your game.

Sometimes I feel like the BUILD staff is stalking me. But I’m thankful because now I walk with my head held high and say that I have made something of myself. I can look those very people in the eye who told me that I wouldn’t make it and say I am successful and it’s going to stay that way.

Most of all, BUILD has given me confidence. Now I know that I can do and be anything that I want to be.

Jahvita: “A girl from the ghetto could go to college”

I felt surrounded by love until the day my father disappeared. When he left, I was attending a private school on a full scholarship; the only black student out of 250 kids. I turned to my friends for support, but there were obstacles there too.

During this difficult year, one of my best friends told me I was not allowed to sleepover because her parents said I was from East Palo Alto and I could be a bad influence. I thought to myself, “How could that be true, since she was the wild girl and I was never a troublemaker?” I decided in that moment to prove them wrong. I would show them that a girl from the ghetto could go to college and be successful.

My freshman year I joined BUILD, an organization for young entrepreneurs in under-developed communities like East Palo Alto. In BUILD I learned all aspects of business and wrote a 30-page business plan that I presented in front of 300 people at Stanford Business School. My team’s business plan won first place. I glowed with confidence.

In my role as COO of my company, I was a professional and earned respect. But outside the office, another reality existed. My peers were often in conflict with one another, not wanting others to succeed or even dream of reaching higher goals. That same year I saw my friend murdered and the chilling feeling still haunts me. In my life outside BUILD I became angry, scared, and unfocused. My grades suffered, and at the end of the year I realized how bad things had gotten.

This year I'm working hard and have the grades that go with it. Another close friend died last month, and I had the feeling that he was looking for a way out. I realize that my way out is college, and I’m working as hard as I can to make that happen and to be an inspiration to others in my community.

Leo: “The best way to lead is by example”

Even though it’s gang and crime-ridden, East Palo Alto is my community. But most E.P.A. citizens strive to survive due to the ignorance, poverty, and fear. People have to hustle in this never-ending cycle. Some have three jobs, others sell drugs, and some even steal to make a living. These problems can improve if I pave the way for others.

I think the best way to lead is by example. I feel that if I go to college and peers see my success they can be empowered to do the same. I've already taken steps paving the way for peers in my community by starting my own business with some friends, becoming familiar with the college process, and finding who I am and what I want out of life.

I want my family and others in the community to break the cycle. By getting a college education and becoming somebody with a successful career, I can make a difference that will contribute to bettering E.P.A. Thanks to BUILD, I can achieve these goals, for me, my family, and my community.

Rocio: “I've worked twice as hard as everyone else”

When I was growing up I felt like the stupidest person in the world. When I wanted to put myself down I'd think about my reading and writing abilities. I was terrified that people would find out. In middle school, there was a teacher who knew I had trouble reading, but she would still ask me to read in front of the class. I was mad because she didn’t respect my learning disability. I was also frustrated because I tried very hard but I did not recognize the words.

I was not shy to tell the teacher, but I wanted the students, who had an image of me as a smart person, to think that I was normal. When my friends found out I had problem, they said, “I didn’t know that you had trouble reading.” Well, I can’t deny I have problems reading and writing, but I realize that I have two options: either I accept myself or let people put me down and feel bad about myself. The choice is easy for me.

Since freshman year I've worked twice as hard as everyone else. BUILD has helped me become successful by teaching me to use my strengths and working around my weaknesses. I am willing to try new things with enthusiasm and courage, and I try to help people who struggle like me. I'm going to be the first in my family to go to college. I will have to work twice as hard, but I know I'll be successful because I’ll use my resources, bring something unique to the school, and give it my best.