Staff
Don Anderson Jr.
Co-Founder,
Vice President & Program Director
Don is an artist.
Jim Tetreau
Founder,
President & Project Director
Jim is a writer.
Ana Brito
Student Instructor
I have faced many barriers and struggles since moving to the United States. Having grown up in South Los Angeles, I know the characteristics of this community make it very difficult for the children and their parents to succeed. Every student in this community has faced at least one obstacle. My challenge has been lack of adequate explanation on school work from my teachers at school. This is just one of many reasons why I chose to work at Strive. I want the kids to excel in their academics and in their personal lives.
We are all surrounded by good and bad options, but for some of these kids it is hard for them to recognize the good options. I believe we are making an impact at Strive helping our kids become better prepared for their own future.
Some of the things I love to do are read and write. This is why I encourage our children to do their best in their assignments, not only doing it well but learning to enjoy doing it.
Lucy Carrillo
Student Instructor
Hello, my name is Lucy Carrillo. I am a High School graduate preparing to go to college later this year. My favorite subjects are Mathematics and Reading. I first came to Strive I as a volunteer, then I moved on to office work and data entry. Now I am a student teacher. As a member of the Strive staff my job is not only to tutor, but to offer guidance to our students in need. Strive is special because there are not many programs like this in the inner city. Strive is a safe harbor for children in this community. We help children stay away from gangs and drugs. Our focus is to assist the children academically while instilling good morals. I believe this then fosters high self-esteem.
Working at Strive is gratifying. It has helped me realize the career I would love to pursue. I am now going to study to be a teacher. “The bond that links true family is not one of blood but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” Richard Bach. This is what makes Strive unique. Everyone at Strive are members of one big family who day by day strive for the best.
Susana Cuautle
Lead Instructor
Hello my name is Susana Cuautle. I have been an instructor at Strive since June 2009. On June 2008 I received my B.A. in English and Psychology from the University of California, Davis. I am currently working towards my multiple subject credentials at Cal State Long Beach. After that I plan on pursuing my Master’s degree in Education or Social Work. Ultimately, I want to continue working with children and serve them educationally and socially.
I first encountered Strive one summer day after work. My adolescent brother (who has attended Strive for a year) would sometimes tell me about Strive, so I was curious to find out more about the program. I was pleasantly surprised when I first entered Strive. Besides having multiple classrooms and ample courtyard space, Strive is extremely polished and welcoming unlike any other After-School facility in South Los Angeles. Since I was looking for a job, I inquired about a position and a few weeks later I was hired. Working at Strive has been both challenging and rewarding. I have learned much from the staff and diverse students. Most importantly, working at Strive has allowed me to grow as an educator and spur my passion for children.
I grew up five blocks from Strive, so I understand the problems and violence that plague our community. When our students enter Strive they know they are safe and in an environment that inpires them to grow into successful community members. We teach our students to rise above community challenges and barriers and to not be victims. I am not just an After-School instructor, but a mentor and role-model for our students, especially the Middle School & High School students with whom I work at Strive.
My goal at Strive is to teach my students the following: With the right support system, motivation, and hard work they can achieve anything. I hope my students will learn from me as much as I have learned from them. I hope they can someday explore and live outside of South Central Los Angeles yet be inspired at some point to give back to this community. I lived in Davis for 4 years and even though it is much quieter and safer, I knew my calling was to return home and give back to my community, which both horrified and inspired me as I was growing up here. I know that by helping our youth succeed I am improving our community one child at a time.
Jose Gatica
Student Instructor
My name is Jose Gatica. I was born on September 11, 1992. I live in the city of South Los Angeles and attend John C. Fremont High School. I am ready to graduate from High School and move on to college.
I am a really nice person to talk to. One good thing is that I am surrounded by people who love me.
My goals are to go to a community college then transfer to a four – year university. I plan to be a teacher because I am good at explaining things, like to teach and like learning from others. I like working at Strive for the same reason: every time I come I learn new ways of teaching our students. Aside from my helping our young students, working at Strive is preparing me to reach my career goals.
I am good communicator, a good listener, and a good advisor. I know growing up in South Los Angeles is not easy, but everything is possible if you help others reach their goals. I know this because I was helped by two special teachers. When I did not speak English, they helped me improve my English and learn how to read. This is why I want to be a teacher. I will be able to help students with their problems like I was helped and improve their academic subjects too.
Montzy Hansack
Student Instructor
I am currently a High School Senior but will attend UC Irvine in the Fall. Growing up, I lacked educational resources such as Strive. Although I was an excellent student, I struggled with math for many years until Middle School, when my Algebra teacher taught the complex language in such a way that anyone was able to comprehend. As a result, I developed an affinity for mathematics and I now aspire to become a math teacher to aid those who also have difficulties.
Working at Strive has allowed me to begin my career early. By teaching at Strive, I am able to not only help students with their diverse assignments and teach them new concepts, but also instill in them a desire to do well and ultimately succeed.
Tatiana Hernandez
Lead Instructor
I was born and raised in South Los Angeles, and because of this I understand the everyday challenges children and their families face living in this neighborhood. Growing up, my main motivation was my mother and the many wise words she gave me. I’ve known for awhile now that if I wanted to change the ongoing tradition in my family of being under-educated, it was going to take hard work, persistence and determination. I believe I was able to overcome the violence, gangs and negativity surrounding me as I grew up due to the support of my family and teachers.
My goal at Strive is to motivate the children to make a change in the world, but most importantly in their lives. I enjoy working with the children at Strive not only because they are wonderful children, but also because they show me something new each and every day. This helps me better understand them and provide the help they need.
I am attending college and will be the first one in my family to earn a degree. I am currently studying computer networking systems, but my time at Strive and inspiration from the children have helped me find another calling. I now want to become a teacher.
Cynthia Martinez
Lead Instructor
Hello, my name is Cynthia Martinez. I have been an instructor at Strive for two years. I am currently attending East Los Angeles College and Los Angeles City College. I plan on transferring to either the California State University of Long Beach or Los Angeles to major in liberal studies. My hope is to one day become a teacher and continue serving children in South Los Angeles.
I believe that a program such as ours at Strive is a wonderful source of education for our children, because many do not learn the importance of an educational or work ethic anywhere else. In my opinion these kids are extremely special because even though they are surrounded by negativity, they are still able to smile and enjoy their youth. I intend to show them that there is a whole world out there aside from South Central. Growing up in South Los Angeles, I am familiar with what these children go through on a daily basis. There are all types of distractions that keep them from being engaged with their school work. Every day these children learn lessons from myself and the other teachers at Strive that help them see that growing up in this environment does not mean that they cannot succeed in life.
I consider myself a role model to these children simply because there aren’t many people they can look up to. I hope they look at us instructors and realize there are many opportunities for them to take advantage of, just as we are doing now. One of those opportunities is Strive itself. I’m glad parents care enough about their children’s futures to push them to pursue their studies. I am pleased to work with children who are growing up in the same environment I did, because I feel that I understand them on a deeper level than just as a teacher.
I try to teach our children something new everyday, but they are not the only one’s learning — they are also helping me learn new things every day. Through them I am able to keep a positive attitude. They brighten up my day simply because they show up everyday. Something as simple as their steady attendance lets me know that they want to better their situation and become something in life. They can easily stay at home and play video games like so many other children do, but instead they come to Strive. The fact that these children voluntarily choose to be here, rather than on the street, makes me want to help them as much as I possibly can. I am here to help those children that need and want my help and I hope to continue doing so for many years to come.
Julio Padilla
Lead Instructor
My name is Julio and I was raised in South Central Los Angeles. Becoming aware of the good and bad habits around me, I learned to stay away from certain things while becoming involved in activities that would bring productivity to my life. I am currently attending East Los Angeles College. I plan to transfer to California State University-Los Angeles and earn a Bachelor’s degree. There is something new to learn every day at Strive. I’ve learned to improve my tutoring skills and to help kids feel more confident in their own abilities. It is a great joy to be a part of seeing our kids improve their academic skills, as well as their behavior.
Edwin Pineda
Student Instructor
Hi, my name’s Edwin Pineda. As a first generation American I struggled with the English Language during my earlier years. This made it harder for me to complete my homework since I had to do it myself with no help. Overcoming the language barrier taught me crucial problem solving skills that have contributed to my becoming a disciplined individual. I grew up near Strive and even attended dance classes here when I was younger.
I’ve always been interested in dance. I found it to be a way of expressing myself when I didn’t have the right words to do it with. It helped me become more creative and think of new ways to tell stories and communicate with people on a different level. Dancing has helped me become a more open minded person and understand the different struggles people go through, because as a dancer I have to put myself in their situation to truly connect with my audience. I’ve now learned to do that with words as well and I enjoy talking to people and learning about their problems. I can especially relate to academic problems they may be having. I wouldn’t want any student to struggle when there are plenty of people here at Strive who are willing to help. The learning process takes time and dedication. Not everything comes easy. Good things happen, but great things take time.
Araceli Reynoso
After School Instructor
My name is Araceli Reynoso. Being raised in South Central Los Angeles has helped me understand the value and necessity of education. Like many in this community, I have faced many challenges along the way. However, life has also taught me that the worst thing that I can do is give up. One of the major challenges I faced was getting the best education in an environment where many believe that’s not important.
When I was a high school student, I saw many of my friends being dragged down by bad influences. At times, these negative influences were very close to me, but I had a supportive family that guided me every step of the way. I graduated high school with honors and I am currently attending East Los Angeles Community College. My main goal is to major in psychology. I would like to help kids in this community successfully overcome challenges, including but not limited to drugs, violence, gangs, prostitution and dysfunctional families. I also want to emphasize an understanding of the value of education.
Working at Strive has strengthened me to better achieve my goals and has provided me with multiple opportunities to help so many kids.
Jorge Rivera
Student Instructor
Hello, my name is Jorge Rivera. I am currently a High School senior and will attend Occidental College in the Fall of 2010. I plan on majoring in Physics, but ultimately my goal is to become an Electrical Engineer.
I was raised is South Los Angeles for the majority of my life. I’ve seen gangs fighting, graffiti on the walls, young women pregnant and the effects of drugs on individuals. A pleasant life does not come from witnessing these things, but unfortunately witnessing these things is unavoidable when living in South Los Angeles.
Many people ask how to solve the troubles of this community. There are many answers, but I believe the true answers reside in the individual. Each person in this community has a choice of what kind of person they want to be. Too many choose the wrong path, which is why we have these problems. I have found that making right or wrong choices starts at a very young age, around Middle School or early High School. It is these choices that may dictate the rest of their lives. I work with students of this age and unfortunately for them, as I saw for myself, there aren’t many role models to look up to in this community. At Strive, however, our students are surrounded by people who are a positive influence in their lives and will lead them in the right direction. I am proud to be one of these people.
Positive influence, from family members to teachers and friends, can take a person far. Despite the challenges in this community, I was able to find the right people to help me reach college. I would have never found these influences if I had no desire to succeed. This is the message I want my students to understand; when you gain a desire for success now at a young age, it will live on with you for the rest of your life. It is this desire that will allow you to say no to the negativity in this community and will yield the right people into your life. As individuals, I hope my students will see success in their future and understand that opportunity is out there if they are willing to look for it and work for it.
Laura Rosales
Student Instructor
I’m currently a junior at King/Drew Medical Magnet High School. Growing up in Compton I’ve been able to witness how many teenagers lacking attention and affection decide to drop out of High School. Many teenagers allow their life to evolve around gangs, parties, and drugs. I’ve been in situations where I have to make a decision whether to continue working hard for a better future or “party hard” as many teenagers decide to do. Being the oldest of three children to a single mother has not been easy. Witnessing how much my mother has gone through has motivated me to make a change. I want to make her really proud of me and to see that all the effort she has made for me to have a better future was worth it.
I will be the first generation in my family to go to college. I do not want to simply get a High School diploma. I want to go above and beyond my expectations. My goals are to become a family physician, criminalist, and become a founder of a youth center of my own. I plan to continue helping teenagers and provide them the help they may not have at home as well as to prepare them for their future. It is depressing to see how teenagers mess up their lives by being involved in gangs, drugs, or ending up pregnant when they have wonderful opportunities ahead of them if they decide to go to college. I’ve dedicated my time to study and help others because I want more teenagers to go to college and make a change as well.
Before arriving at Strive I helped children at Bresee Youth Center and A Place Called Home. I realized that in order for children to succeed there has to be someone to motivate them. Centers like Strive allow children to make wiser decisions because there are people like myself who are willing to motivate them to accomplish their goals instead of ruining their lives. I enjoy working with children because I get to make an impact on their lives, and sometimes become their role model. There are situations where I have to tell teenagers my age that they shouldn’t allow the conflicts in life to intervene with their goals. Everyone has obstacles in life. It’s up to each individual to decide whether those obstacles are a positive or negative impact in their life.
Sometimes teenagers in the streets do not have parents that show them love and motivate them to become someone in life. Personally, I have a very discouraging father who always puts my hopes and dreams down. However, I do not allow that to ruin my hopes and dreams. It actually empowers me to try my hardest to accomplish my goals and prove him wrong. I communicate that message to other children: it doesn’t matter who tries to bring their dreams down, “I can’t and I give up” shouldn’t be part of their vocabulary. With perseverance and hard work anything they set their mind to is possible.
Ramiro Sanchez
After School Instructor
I was born and raised in Los Angeles by parents who spoke only Spanish. Since English was my second language, it was a challenge for me in school. On top of that, I had no one to guide me down the right path through my my entire school career, but managed to graduate from high school with a GPA of 3.0.
Working by myself was a personality trait I developed, since I had tremendous energy and enjoyed playing sports. After graduation, I wanted to challenge myself by aiming high and becoming a professional baseball player. I had to learn to let go of my fears, which were reading, writing and speaking English. In college, I chose to major in psychology, so I have no choice but to improve my English and work harder.
Growing up, I wish I had a program like Strive that could have helped me with my schoolwork. I reinforce to the kids to be grateful to have Strive, because they can get the assistance they need. I enjoy working with our kids because many of them deal with the same complications I did. Strive is a positive environment and gives students the opportunity to develop the good manners, positive habits and confidence they will need. Their chances for success in life are now higher.
Edwin Verdugo
Student Instructor
My name is Edwin Verdugo. I have encountered many barriers in my life, like moving to the United States at the age of 11. Because I moved here not knowing English, getting an education in South Central L.A. has been tough. I understand how community distractions make this a barrier for other students.
Because I have lived this experience, my main goal right now is to become a teacher. I would love to teach students who have had the same struggles with English that I did. These struggles helped me become a dedicated and responsible man who thinks anything is possible if you work hard for what you want. Working at Strive is giving me a greater chance to share my experience with the students and help them understand the same possibilities.
