y-scholars program graduation yearbook 2015

REACHING HIGHER AMBITIONSY-Scholars ProgramGraduation Yearbook 2015

Y-SCHOLARS PROGRAM GRADUATION CEREMONYMonday - May 18, 2015

Reception and Food Opening Remarks

Estefania Baeza - 11th Grade Y-ScholarFran Gallati - President/CEO, YMCA-CBA

Tom Bates - Mayor, City of Berkeley Staff Recognitions

Ana Hernandez - 11th Grade Y-ScholarWarren Situ - 11th Grade Y-Scholar

Student Recognitions

Jose Herrera Cruz - Associate Academic Manager Senior Farewell Video Keynote Speakers

Siva Vemireddy - 12th Grade Y-ScholarThafir Elzofri - 12th Grade Y-Scholar

Dr. Zachary Wong - Honored Guest Speaker Class of 2015 Presentation Closing Remarks

Audi Huang - Executive Director

Celebration

Alex Ortega

Alondra Covarrubias

Alvin Casimiro

Arnel Valera

Cecilia Hurtado-Sanchez

Chelsea Ann Alcantara

Dakshi Jindal

Hammad Zahid

Ignacio Franco

Janine Diep

Joao Zavala-Duran

Joseph Baba Jr.

Kaya Skye Johnson

Ketzia Escudero

Kevin Alonso-Espiritu

Luis Gerard Cuautle

Melissa Sotelo

Melissa Macias

Naye Sanchez

Pablo Itzep Pastor

Pamela Rodriguez-Ortiz

Rachel Whalen

Rajya Gogulamudi

Sandy Alegria

Sarah Ali

Siva Vemireddy

Sreeraj Yeduru

Tahmer Ali Saeed

Tayo Ogunmayin

Teja Gogulamudi

Thafir Elzofri

Valerie Smith

Veronica Smith

Vhiviana Daigdigan

Victor Lopez

2015 Y-SCHOLARS PROGRAM GRADUATES

CSU East Bay

Humboldt State University

Sacramento State University

San Diego State University

San Francisco State University

San Jose State University

UC Berkeley

UC Davis

UC Merced

UC Santa Cruz

Berkeley City College

Diablo Valley College

Holy Names University

Mount Holyoke College

Saint Mary’s College

University of the Pacific

Wesleyan University

2015 COLLEGE DESTINATIONS

PROGRAM LEAD STAFF

Audi Huang

Erica Davenport

Jessica Bank

José Herrera Cruz

Katie Delaney

Sierra Hampton

Veronica Munguia-Guizar

PROGRAM COUNSELORS

Abel Castillo

Cecilia Liang

Dominic Ky

Gabriela Robledo

Iman Howard

Karla Garcia

Luciano Morales

Luz Bertadillo

Myrtha Ortiz

PROGRAM TUTORS

Alessandra Silveira

Andrew Toney

Erick Zurita

Ismael Tapia

Jaime Vazquez

Kate Boden

Kayla Kulhanek

Matthew Ramirez

Nikoo Samee

Samuel Hunnicutt

Serena Wang

PROGRAM INTERNS

Anuska Khawaunju

Diana Garcia

Sean Jenvay

Sharon Flores-Ramirez

School:Saint Mary’s College

Major:Architecture or Civil Engineering

In 10 years...Victor and I will be the new Audi and Jose. He’ll be Audi and I’ll be Jose. We’ll change the name to A and V Scholars, but only if we have to take it over.

ALEX ORTEGAYears with Y-Scholars: 4

ALONDRA COVARRUBIASYears with Y-Scholars: 1

ALVIN CASIMIROYears with Y-Scholars: 4

School:UC Santa Cruz

Major:Psychology

In 10 years...I see myself as an independent woman, following her intended career in life. I see myself as someone who has lived and traveled around the world.

School:San Francisco State University

Major:Art

In 10 years...I see myself as a professional bodybuilder. If not, then a personal trainer.

School:Diablo Valley College

Major:Undeclared

In 10 years...I will be working in a nice high tech company such as Apple or Microsoft and developing new software.ARNEL VALERA

Years with Y-Scholars: 1

CECILIA HURTADO-SANCHEZYears with Y-Scholars: 4

CHELSEA ANN ALCANTARAYears with Y-Scholars: 1

School:Berkeley City College

Major:Psychology

In 10 years...I see myself in school still striving to get my masters degree while working in my field.

School:San Jose State University

Major:Business

In 10 years...I will be a successful woman with a sustainable job. I will also be supporting my parents.

School:Saint Mary’s College

Major:3+2 Engineering Program

In 10 years...I see myself working in one of the top five companies of the United States as a successful engineer.DAKSHI JINDAL


HAMMAD ZAHIDYears with Y-Scholars: 3

IGNACIO FRANCOYears with Y-Scholars: 4

School:UC Davis

Major:Biotechnology

In 10 years...I am driving a new Tesla. I have a career in policy advising, consulting, or the tech industry. I will also be in my custom built penthouse with my wife and kids.

School:UC Berkeley

Major:Architecture

In 10 years...I see myself working at a nice firm in the Bay Area as an architect.


Major:Undeclared

In 10 years...I see myself becoming a dentist.

JOAO ZAVALA-DURANYears with Y-Scholars: 4

JOSEPH BABA JR.Years with Y-Scholars: 1

KAYA SKYE JOHNSONYears with Y-Scholars: 2

School:UC Merced

Major:Computer Science

In 10 years...I will have a job, be in a house, and living with a family.

School:Community College (Undecided)

Major:Biology

In 10 years...I see myself enrolled in a surgical residency program.

School:Sacramento State University

Major:Criminal Justice

In 10 years...I see myself graduating from graduate school and beginning my path to my future career.

KETZIA ESCUDEROYears with Y-Scholars: 1

KEVIN ALONSO-ESPIRITUYears with Y-Scholars: 3

LUIS GERARDO CUAUTLEYears with Y-Scholars: 3


Major:Anthropology

In 10 years...Kevin Espiritu: The youngest President of the United States

School:Sacramento State University

Major:Engineering

In 10 years...I will be living on my own in my own apartment.

School:San Diego State University

Major:Psychology

In 10 years...I see myself starting my professional career after having obtained both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.MELISSA MACIAS


MELISSA SOTELOYears with Y-Scholars: 1

NAYE SANCHEZYears with Y-Scholars: 4


Major:Biology

In 10 years...I see myself satisfied with my job. I will have two dogs. I will have traveled to London already. And, I will have my own walk-in closet. (Cross my fingers!)


Major:Biology

In 10 years...I will graduate from medical school and work as a doctor.

School:Wesleyan University

Major:Physics

In 10 years...I will be working at an engineering company after completing graduate school and obtaining a master’s degree in Physics.

PABLO ITZEP PASTORYears with Y-Scholars: 4

PAMELA RODRIGUEZ-ORTIZ Years with Y-Scholars: 2

RACHEL WHALENYears with Y-Scholars: 2

School:UC Berkeley

Major:Architecture

In 10 years...I see myself enjoying my life as a multi-millionaire architect known all around the world for her distinct style.

School:Humboldt State University

Major:Elementary Education and a minor in Theater

In 10 years...I will be teaching elementary aged kids somewhere in the Bay Area. I hope to still be doing art on the side.

School:University of the Pacific

Major:Business

In 10 years...I will be volunteering in a developing country.

RAJYA GOGULAMUDIYears with Y-Scholars: 4

SANDY ALEGRIAYears with Y-Scholars: 4

SARAH ALIYears with Y-Scholars: 3

School:...UC Santa Cruz

Major:Latin American Studies

In 10 years...I see myself having completed medical school and partnering with an organization to fill the need of people in third world countries.

School:CSU East Bay

Major:Speech Pathology and Audiology

In 10 years...I see myself working with little kids in an elementary school or in a hospital.


Major:Biological Sciences

In 10 years...I will be living in my own place and traveling around the world.

SIVA VEMIREDDYYears with Y-Scholars: 4

SREERAJ YEDURUYears with Y-Scholars: 4

TAHMER ALI SAEEDYears with Y-Scholars: 2


Major:Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

In 10 years...I will be working in a hospital or doing something doctor-related.


Major:Business

In 10 years...I see myself in the Middle East being the top entrepreneur or businessman there who owns multiple companies.

School:UC Davis

Major:Undeclared in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

In 10 years...I see myself traveling the world as an environmental engineer and a member of the Avengers.

TAYO OGUNMAYINYears with Y-Scholars: 4

TEJA GOGULAMUDIYears with Y-Scholars: 4

THAFIR ELZOFRIYears with Y-Scholars: 2


Major:Bioengineering

In 10 years...I will be rich, and I will buy UC Santa Cruz and make it better than CAL since I'm going to UC Santa Cruz.

School:Wesleyan University

Major:Mathematics

In 10 years...I see myself working in a cubicle. But in 11 years, I hope to have a corner office that over looks the city. (Not necessarily San Francisco, just any city).

School:Holy Names University

Major:Psychology

In 10 years...I see myself working in a hospital as a pediatrician helping the lives of children.

VALERIE SMITHYears with Y-Scholars: 4

VERONICA SMITHYears with Y-Scholars: 4

VHIVIANA DAIGDIGANYears with Y-Scholars: 1

School:...Mt. Holyoke College

Major:Science

In 10 years...I will still be in college working on my PhD.


Major:Biotechnology

In 10 years...I see myself as being stable after finishing my college degree and working successfully as a physical therapist.

School:Diablo Valley College

Major:Computer Science

In 10 years...I see myself having a successful career and living a good life.

VICTOR LOPEZYears with Y-Scholars: 4

Not pictured in yearbook: JANINE DIEP

Y-SCHOLAR LIFER HONOREESA Y-Scholar Lifer is a student who has successfully completed a

4-year commitment to the Y-Scholars Program.

Alex Ortega

Alvin Casimiro

Cecilia Hurtado-Sanchez

Ignacio Franco

Tayo Ogunmayin

Joao Zavala-Duran

Melissa Macia

Naye Sanchez

Pablo Itzep Pastor

Rajya Gogulamudi

Sandy Alegria

Siva Vemireddy

Sreeraj Yeduru

Teja Gogulamudi

Valerie Smith

Veronica Smith

Victor Lopez

What advice would you give to a future Y-Scholar?

“Please enjoy your time here at Y-Scholars! The community and support that you find here is like no other. If you take the time to really know your fellow Y-Scholars and the staff, you will treasure the experience even more.”- Melissa Sotelo

“Follow CLASP: Be committed, be a leader, have a good attitude, be self-disciplined and follow your passions.”- Dakshi Jindal

“Be involved, find your balance, and do things in moderation. Find your passions and pursue them.”- Hammad Zahid

“If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.” - Tahmer Saeed

“In the end, everything is only what you make of it. Take opportunities, you cannot earn what you haven't worked for.” - Arnel Valera

“Take advantage of everything Y-Scholars has to offer, from Saturday workshops to social events. It will not only help you academically, but you'll start to build relationships that'll support you throughout high school and even further.”- Pamela Rodriguez-Ortiz

“Stay committed to the program, it will take you far.” - Veronica Smith

SENIOR REFLECTIONS

I have been a part of the Y-Scholars Program for the past

4 years, and the reason I continue to be part of the

program is because of the community I have established

here. Y-Scholars has become a second home. I spend more

time at the Teen Center with Audi and Jose than I do at

home some days. I am comfortable being myself around

others here without the worry of being judged because they are all like family. No,

they are family.

I have grown close to my fellow senior classmates and have gotten to know

many of them on a personal level. I have treasured every moment with them, from

Alex leaving me in the recycling bin during hide-and-seek to working on college

applications with Ketzia during tutoring. And how can I forget my meetings with my

fellow ALT members and PALs? We’ve been through the highs and lows together;

we have shared frustration, depression, and joy together in these past years. Every

moment leading up to this day has represented our passion and commitment, and I

can say that I know every one of us will strive to do the same if not better in our

future. I know this is supposed to be our last moment together before we part our

separate ways to achieve our higher ambitions. But this also signals a new chapter

in our lives as we continue to grow closer.

I have also gotten super close with many staff members. The program staff

go above and beyond to help students achieve their dreams and aspirations. On

some days, I don’t even leave until eight, and there have been many times where

the tutors stay back and help even when they are technically off duty. My

counselor Gaby spent so many late nights with me at Purple Kow helping me with

my applications. Even during her winter break, when she should’ve been spending

time with her family, she looked over my essays for the Common App. Along with

the great help offered here, the staff are just such fun people to be around. I

remember there was one day after tutoring when I was sitting at Matt’s table with

some friends, and we were listening to music. Next thing you know , Blank Space

comes on, and Matt just starts singing along with us. Nowhere else can you find

tutors that sing Taylor Swift along with you. That's what makes this program so

unique. The tutors and counselors enjoy sharing a good laugh with the students.

These past couple months have been tough but we have all pushed through

by ending strongly. I’m glad to say I have been a part of this tremendous program. I

now know that I have gained a new home that I will forever have.

SIVA VEMIREDDY

Halfway through my junior year, my friend came back

from college and asked me how school was going. After he

realized I didn’t mention anything about Y-Scholars, he was

shocked and eventually persuaded me to sign up for the

program by telling me about the resources offered and

how I could benefit from joining.

I remember the first day I walked into the Y-Scholars’ tutoring area. My first

impression was the reason why I stuck around. As I walked into the area, I was

greeted by the lead tutor, Katie, who described how everything worked. Still a bit

overwhelmed, I sat down and received help from one of the tutors, Riley. He asked

me if I was new to the program and what I liked to do in and out of school. When I

mentioned I was new, two other students turned to me and introduced themselves.

At that moment, I knew Y-Scholars was going to be a place I could see myself

staying and excelling.

Though I was doing pretty well in school at the time, I found myself really

improving because of the tutoring aspect of Y-Scholars. My program counselor told

me about the different opportunities Y-Scholars had like the Academic Leadership

Team (ALT). I decided to apply for the team and eventually got the offer. ALT has

helped with more than I thought it would. I went in thinking I just needed to

improve on my public speaking. Yet, I have seen an improvement with not only my

public speaking, but my organization, time management, and leadership skills.

In the fall, I will be attending Wesleyan University. I originally thought

Columbia University was my dream school. Because of the extensive research I was

able do with my program counselor, I was able to narrow down my list of colleges

and figure out what schools I actually wanted to attend. That’s the main reason I

was able to find Wesleyan and have it become my number one school. I have seen

myself grow and I feel very prepared to attend a school on the other side of the

country. I will take the skills I have gained with me to college and beyond.

The thing I will miss the most about Y-scholars is the community aspect,

especially my fellow class of Y-Scholars. We have bonded so much that I feel like I

have gained another set of family members. Every time I move on from a team or a

school, I always fear drifting away from people and never speaking with them. That

has happened a lot. But with this group of seniors, I feel like we will be a family for

a long time and stay in touch with one another. I look forward to keeping in touch

and walking the path Y-Scholars has helped me set.

THAFIR ELZOFRI

My first 2 years in this program were very different

and more isolated than my last 2 years. Entering the

Y-Scholars Program, I had one goal in mind, and that was

coming in to get my homework done and leaving as soon as

I could. I was never into interacting with other people, as I

felt awkward talking to others and asking for help. I was

more concerned about not making myself look like a fool than to find help and form

relationships. Looking back, I was quite anti-social. I came into this program with

the mindset to just do my work. It’s not that the program did not provide any

opportunities. I just did not involve myself in social events or attempt to meet new

people. It never occurred to me that this was an opportunity to actually be a part

of such an amazing community.

My junior year was completely different as a Y-Scholar. I was stressed due to

the IB tests coming up, and I was aware that the college application process was

approaching. Being a first-generation college-bound student, I had no clue what I

was going up against. That year, I started using my counselors and taking

advantage of what the program had to offer. Y-scholars became key to helping me

develop skills from test taking to time management. I remember a time when I was

lost in writing my personal statement. I approached my counselor Veronica, and

she with no hesitation put aside time to help me. I began seeing why I needed to

ask for support. Y-scholars is a community for students like us who without that

help at home have someone in the program to assist us.

In my senior year, I began attending social events and involving myself in

several programs. From the Halloween socials to the senior retreat, I began

meeting new people and I began creating more friendships with my fellow

Y-Scholars and staff. I went from being an isolated student on my island, to this kid

that had to keep moving tables because I talk too much.

Leaving high school is a brutal transition, but I leave this program with many

skills and lessons learned. It all comes down to help, and I’ve got plenty of people

to thank for that: my parents, counselors, friends, and my Y-Scholars family. I

guess that means the biggest thing I learned in Y-scholars is to lean on others

when needed. But most importantly, don’t forget that through your hard-work, the

most wonderful gift you can give yourself, right here or in the future or in any

moment in your life is to commit to the journey and not the outcome.

ALEX ORTEGA

When I entered high school, I was not looking forward

to the next few years. During freshman year, my mother

dragged me into the Y-Scholars Program because she was

looking for an afterschool program to support me

academically throughout the next four years. Today, I

realized that I am very lucky for what she did.

Even though I was in the program, I barely met the program commitments.

As a result, I was nearly dropped from the program many times within the first

year. Even though I was so troubled, at the end of freshman year, Jose approached

me with an idea of creating a leadership team in Y-Scholars, now known as ALT

(Academic Leadership Team). I took the offer, slightly confused because I did not

feel important at all and actually thought Jose disliked me.

During my sophomore year, I was not doing well in school, and my apathy

only grew more intense as the year ended. Instead of being at the program, I would

be hanging around with my friends in my hometown in Richmond. Getting into

trouble and messing around were the best parts of the day until one day, one of my

very close friends lost his life due to street violence.

I would always hear stories of people dying or even taking others’ lives, but

this was the first time death snatched someone close to me. After the rituals that

followed my friend’s death, I realized I could not continue this pattern that was so

detrimental to my well-being. I needed change. I knew that no one was going to

give it to me, and I needed to take initiative.

I disassociated myself from my group of friends back at home, and filled up

my time with activities in Berkeley so that I would not be in Richmond. One of these

activities was ALT. I took my role seriously, and got more involved with the

program. By the beginning of junior year, I began to enjoy the program and all it

has to offer. I found myself coming in every day to do homework, help with events,

and build relationships with other Y-Scholars and staff. I got very close with my

teammates in ALT, and we often went out to dinner as a group after tutoring.

I picked up new, healthy habits to steer me from my old ones. Jose, Audi, and

counselors helped me internalize the CLASP characteristics, which helped me

become a more responsible and devout member of my community. Furthermore, it

helped me get into my dream school of UC Berkeley. The program never gave up on

me, and I will keep that with me forever. Y-Scholars is me, and I am Y-Scholars.

IGNACIO FRANCO

CLASP SHOUTOUTS Get your last messages

and signatures here...

WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT

On behalf of the YMCA of the Central Bay Area, we

want to give wholehearted thanks to all the staff,

volunteers, and student leaders for their endless

hours of support and guidance in helping our

amazing students build their self-improvement and

achieve their dreams of continuing their education

beyond high school.

We want to also thank the donors who continue to

financially support the Y-Scholars Program so that

our students are able to receive and take advantage

of our academic services and social support.

We want to give special thanks to our students’

families, school counselors, teachers, and friends

who continue to support our mission and work with

us by encouraging the students to pursue college.

Finally, we thank the following sponsors for their

generous support and for making this graduation

event possible.

y-scholars program graduation yearbook 2015

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