Andrea Perla
When did you graduate from St. Catherine University and with what degree?
I graduated from St. Catherine University last May, with a Social Work degree.
What are you doing since graduating?
After graduation I joined AmeriCorp under the Vista branch.
What made you decide to join AmeriCorps and what is Genesys Works?
There are a couple of reasons why I choose AmeriCorp. First of all, I’ve had a lot of mentors and individuals help me in my life and many of them have been AmeriCorp members. Therefore, I wanted to pay it forward. Additionally, I wanted to build my professional and personal development. I believe being a part of AmeriCorp would give me that opportunity and space I was seeking. Genesys Works is a non-profit dedicated to enable students of low income and disadvantage background the opportunity to thrive and be successful in today’s society. Genesys Works strives to provide high school seniors the knowledge and experience to be professionals. They provide students a corporate internship and college support.
What is your position and what do you do? Why did you decide to chose to serve at Genesys Works?
I am the Alumni Coordinator at Genesys Works. My work is to help students transition to college and provide support to aid them in accomplishing their college goals. I also help students navigate the school system, providing resources, and providing professional opportunities. I decided to serve at Genesys Works because it is an organization whose mission and vision I believe and value. It is an organization I am proud to be a part of. There is nothing more than education I value and Genesys Works believes and strives to give students from disadvantage backgrounds the support and resources to be successful.
What has been the most rewarding part of your year of service?
The most rewarding part of my year of service is establishing relationships with alumni (students). I am having the privilege of seeing students become successful and accomplish their goals. As time progresses, students who have been disengaged of the program are reaching out and are becoming active, reinforcing the work I and Genesys Works are providing for students.
How have you grown personally and/or professionally in this job opportunity?
I have professionally grown a lot this year. My experience has shaped a lot of my future goals. Youth Development is an important interest I plan to pursue. Genesys Works has also shaped many new skills I have developed and continue to work on. Personally, I am devoted to continue to help mentor youth whom I come across from. As a member of society, I have a responsibility of setting an example for youth to follow; especially portraying a positive role model for Latinos.
What are goals and future plans after this year of service?
My year of service goal is to obtain a job within the non-profit field. I hope to be working with youth helping them in any capacity I can. After a couple years of work experience, I look forward to attending graduate school. I’m undecided of what I want to pursue but a Master of Social Work or a Master of Higher Education are my current interest.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the social welfare of all. I decided to study social work because it is a field that is broad enough with the interests I have. I am extremely passionate in working with students of color who want to pursue college and want to be successful in life. I am also very passionate in working with families whose basic needs are not met. I am a strong believer that families need basic needs met before they are able to thrive and partake in society.
How has your life and your education at St. Kate's prepared your life after college?
St. Kate’s gave me the education I needed to pursue a field in social services. I had the opportunity to have great caring professors and mentors who shaped my thoughts, interest, and goals. St.Kate’s as well instilled global values that now I ensue and care deeply about. Attending this university gave me the confidence and support I need to venture and become a professional global citizen.
I graduated from St. Catherine University last May, with a Social Work degree.
What are you doing since graduating?
After graduation I joined AmeriCorp under the Vista branch.
What made you decide to join AmeriCorps and what is Genesys Works?
There are a couple of reasons why I choose AmeriCorp. First of all, I’ve had a lot of mentors and individuals help me in my life and many of them have been AmeriCorp members. Therefore, I wanted to pay it forward. Additionally, I wanted to build my professional and personal development. I believe being a part of AmeriCorp would give me that opportunity and space I was seeking. Genesys Works is a non-profit dedicated to enable students of low income and disadvantage background the opportunity to thrive and be successful in today’s society. Genesys Works strives to provide high school seniors the knowledge and experience to be professionals. They provide students a corporate internship and college support.
What is your position and what do you do? Why did you decide to chose to serve at Genesys Works?
I am the Alumni Coordinator at Genesys Works. My work is to help students transition to college and provide support to aid them in accomplishing their college goals. I also help students navigate the school system, providing resources, and providing professional opportunities. I decided to serve at Genesys Works because it is an organization whose mission and vision I believe and value. It is an organization I am proud to be a part of. There is nothing more than education I value and Genesys Works believes and strives to give students from disadvantage backgrounds the support and resources to be successful.
What has been the most rewarding part of your year of service?
The most rewarding part of my year of service is establishing relationships with alumni (students). I am having the privilege of seeing students become successful and accomplish their goals. As time progresses, students who have been disengaged of the program are reaching out and are becoming active, reinforcing the work I and Genesys Works are providing for students.
How have you grown personally and/or professionally in this job opportunity?
I have professionally grown a lot this year. My experience has shaped a lot of my future goals. Youth Development is an important interest I plan to pursue. Genesys Works has also shaped many new skills I have developed and continue to work on. Personally, I am devoted to continue to help mentor youth whom I come across from. As a member of society, I have a responsibility of setting an example for youth to follow; especially portraying a positive role model for Latinos.
What are goals and future plans after this year of service?
My year of service goal is to obtain a job within the non-profit field. I hope to be working with youth helping them in any capacity I can. After a couple years of work experience, I look forward to attending graduate school. I’m undecided of what I want to pursue but a Master of Social Work or a Master of Higher Education are my current interest.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the social welfare of all. I decided to study social work because it is a field that is broad enough with the interests I have. I am extremely passionate in working with students of color who want to pursue college and want to be successful in life. I am also very passionate in working with families whose basic needs are not met. I am a strong believer that families need basic needs met before they are able to thrive and partake in society.
How has your life and your education at St. Kate's prepared your life after college?
St. Kate’s gave me the education I needed to pursue a field in social services. I had the opportunity to have great caring professors and mentors who shaped my thoughts, interest, and goals. St.Kate’s as well instilled global values that now I ensue and care deeply about. Attending this university gave me the confidence and support I need to venture and become a professional global citizen.