This summer, more than two-hundred San Antonio-area high school students are participating in a transformative experience – one that has profoundly impacted my life’s trajectory. I am a first-generation, low-income student at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). While in high school, I had the opportunity to intern with a local employer, something I never thought possible. I grew up in a crime-ridden neighborhood on the West Side, and my parents spoke only Spanish. They read to me constantly, fostering a love for learning and early interest in reading. My teachers, who were my primary role models, played a crucial role in helping me and, by extension my family, escape our isolating environment. This support inspired me to use my experience to support and uplift others.
The summer of my junior year of high school, I secured a job at a McDonald’s within walking distance of my house. Since my parents didn’t have driver’s licenses and couldn’t provide transportation for me, my employment opportunities were limited. Then, my gifted and talented program advisor at Thomas Jefferson High School, Miranda Coleman, informed me about an internship opportunity through greater:SATX’s summer internship program with CyberFortress, formerly Jungle Disk, a cybersecurity company.
This paid opportunity was a chance to break away from my limited circumstances and gain valuable professional experience. The internship was conveniently located at Highlands High School instead of CyberFortress’ downtown offices, making it feasible for me to participate despite my transportation barrier. The connections I made that summer have continued to benefit me.
In the summer of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I secured my second internship through greater:SATX’s summer internship program as a digital marketing intern with the International Coaching Federation. I connected with mentors who helped me navigate the nuances of pursuing a professional career that I wasn’t aware of as a first-generation college student growing up in a low-income household.
The internship exceeded my expectations, providing mentorship, professional development, a strong network and valuable experience that set me apart from my peers. Most importantly, I learned that real growth happens when stepping out of one's comfort zone.
I also developed essential skills such as time management, and character traits like perseverance and confidence. Observing seasoned professionals in a structured environment allowed me to refine my social skills, which have been crucial thus far in my career. Others saw me as someone who worked at a “real job” before even graduating high school, which was extremely motivating.
The most significant impact my internship experiences have had on me is the gradual formation of a community, which has brought me a sense of belonging. Despite being encouraged to move to Los Angeles for other opportunities, I have chosen to stay in San Antonio, believing in the city's potential and wanting to contribute to its growth and development.
More than 1,000 interns have participated in greater:SATX’s summer internship program since it was launched in 2015. The program creates opportunities that are essential for students and employers. It offers young people opportunities for growth and development while providing businesses with motivated and innovative talent.
I have had amazing opportunities. Every young person in the San Antonio region should have access to these opportunities. We are the future leaders of this region. I've seen friends who work just as hard as I do to try to secure internships but, unfortunately, there are not enough internship opportunities available. Internships help retain talented individuals in San Antonio and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved city.
I urge our local employers to invest in us, the youth of San Antonio. We are the future. We are your workforce of tomorrow. We are eager to show you that your investment will be worthwhile. All we ask for is that you give us the chance, and that starts by offering more internships and career pathways.
Stacy Carrizales is a student at UTSA.