In 1987, as an 8th grader, I was invited by EBC to attend a summer program called “Hispanic Literacy” at St. Elizabeth High School. That experience marked the beginning of my journey with the EBC family. Monica Montenegro was there that summer to encourage me to attend an engineering program at San Jose State after my 8th-grade year. During this time, I realized I might have the opportunity to attend a university after high school. The summer after my sophomore year of college, I brought my siblings to attend PCA, and Monica invited me to work in the PCA office. Little did I know that would be the start of my teaching career. That summer, I discovered that teaching was my true calling. Now, 38 years later, I’m still proud to be part of the EBC family. Over the years, I’ve worked as a tutor, prospective teacher, teacher, and now, as the lead teacher. Along the way, the EBC community has been there to celebrate many of my life milestones—graduating from high school and college, earning my master’s degree, my wedding, and welcoming my family. For the past 17 years, I’ve driven from the Central Valley every summer to stay connected with PCA. I can’t let go of my roots—it feels like returning home. Now, when a former PCA student returns to share their success, I fully understand the pride Monica and the rest of the EBC staff must have felt when they were guiding me as a young kid from Oakland. Thank you, EBC and all the staff, for everything you’ve done for me. I’m forever grateful.