Tell us your LA’s BEST story. How did you hear about us?
I first got involved with LA’s BEST five years ago when I was studying Computer Science and Computer Information Technology at CSUN. My friend George told me LA’s BEST was hiring and said it was really fun and flexible, so I could go to school and work. I became a Program Worker (PW) at Mosk Elementary in 2016 and worked directly with the students. I fell in love with how LA’s BEST operates and the robust enrichment programming for kids.
As a PW, I learned how kids interact with each other and about patience and the importance of understanding what each child is going through. I realized that my actions will determine how a kid feels. Your demeanor matters, you have to present yourself in a way that kids want to talk to you and rely on you. That’s why our motto resonates with me so much, “nothing is as important as the effect it has on a child”.
When I graduated from CSUN, I transitioned from working with the kids every day to working in the LA’s BEST Digital Learning Department as a field technician, where I’ve been for the past three years. I like my job now, but do I miss working so closely with kids. It was rewarding and satisfying in a different kind of way.
How is LA’s BEST program culture influencing your work post COVID-19? How are you applying what you’ve learned working with the kids to your role today?
I am applying LA’s BEST culture by being as helpful as possible, learning new skills and taking initiative. If you can step up and do what others can’t, it’s better for the team.
Our team motto is: Asking for help is not a problem, it’s a solution. This is the work environment at LA’s BEST. I think that’s the drive that has kept us afloat: do whatever it takes to make your team successful.
How do you think LA’s BEST has prepared you for your future career? What are your future plans?
I want to have a senior tech position in a company, developing programs, software and applications. Being a field technician at LA’s BEST has given me hands-on experience working with technology. I learned the foundations and basics. I get to program, maintain the software and cyber security, work with servers and create virtual desktops. When technology works people are so grateful and it feels good!
Making an activity plan can be stressful and creating them taught me time management, how to think on my feet and be dynamic. I got really creative using cones, codes and making up my own games which also helped me learn to be creative and adaptable.
I also learned how to collaborate. To be good at working in a group takes time, and working at LA’s BEST has helped me realize that it’s all about the team’s success. I am thankful to LA’s BEST for my first job that set me on the right path to reach my future goals.
