MOSTe November 2023 Newsletter
Dear MOSTe Family,
It’s November, the month of giving thanks and getting those UC & CSU applications in! We’re holding one more college essay clinic for our 12th graders this Saturday. Then on the 30th, it will be time to Hit Submit!
It’s also the time to express our deepest gratitude to all the funders, donors, partners and volunteers whose support makes our work possible. We thank The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation for their generous grant, Blank Rome law firm and all their guests for making our Career Fair such a success, and SWA Group Los Angeles for introducing our students to the field of landscape design. We are so grateful.
Next month, our scholars will visit Whittier College and share their gratitude with mentors at our holiday gathering. Watch your email for those RSVPs!
And speaking of gifts, I got a wonderful email this week from our alumna Nereyda Zaldivar. She reminded me why this work truly matters. Please read on to see what I mean.
Onward,
Amy Ludwig
Executive Director
MOSTe in Action
Career Fair
October 28, 2023
MOSTe was thrilled to collaborate with Blank Rome law firm through their Adopt-A-Center program to host this year’s Career Fair.
Students heard from influential keynote speakers and participated in small breakout sessions throughout the day. Amazing volunteers from fields ranging from real estate to aerospace to fashion design came together to share their wisdom and experience, and took the time to connect and answer questions. The day ended with time for students to practice their networking skills over yummy lunch, courtesy of the In-N-Out Burger truck.
Thank you again to everyone who helped put together this amazing event!
Day in the Life of a Landscape Designer
November 10, 2023
Thank you to the SWA Group LA for inviting MOSTe students to visit their fantastic studio!
Students heard from designers about their career path and their projects, and asked questions about the impact they make executing eco-friendly designs throughout Los Angeles. This experience introduced our students to an exciting intersection of creativity, community activism, and sustainability.
College and Alumnae News
Alumna Nereyda Zaldivar reached out with this lovely update:
“I was grateful to join MOSTe as a seventh grader at Cochran Middle School, and stayed with the organization through college at CSULA. I will forever be thankful for the organization and everyone I met through it. I was paired with an incredible mentor, Danielle Tenner, whom I am still in contact with 14 years later. Once I’ve settled into my career, I hope to be a mentor for MOSTe.
“I am now a fifth-grade teacher at a Title I School in LAUSD. I’m a first-year teacher and loving it thus far! This was the career meant for me, and MOSTe and my mentor helped me get there. I’m hoping to be able to provide my students wonderful memories and moments that will help them feel seen and special, just like MOSTe did for me.” We’re so proud of you, Nereyda!
Mentor Moment
“Kathy and I shared a meal and boba while discussing her college applications. We also spent some time carving pumpkins to get into the holiday spirit and wind down after a busy week.” – Mentor Rosalyn
“We had two one-hour meetings and discussed our usual homework, life, family, etc. I always love my time with Bianca.” – Mentor Tara
“It was a great career fair at Blank Rome. I think we both learned a lot about people’s career path and I think Yarely is more confident and inspired with the stories from top lawyers and doctors.” – Mentor Bonnie
“Maggie and I spend every other Tuesday together working on goals, homework, just catching up, or studying for tests. We have such an amazing time and our environment is very positive!” – Mentor Katherine
“We met at a cafe and reviewed college major options.” – Mentor Sage
“We went indoor rock climbing and then debriefed about the career fair and went over the Career Spring info.” – Mentor Laurie