Before I got involved with Bridges, I was just going to school every day, playing sports. I played basketball and volleyball, so going to practice. I'm a very quiet person. It was a little bit of a struggle for me to talk to people.

I moved from another state. Also, when I started high school, it was virtual. So me meeting people, trying to make friends, that was really challenging.

I heard about Bridges from my CTI coordinator. She introduced us to Ms. Dominique.

Initially, Kyla was very quiet, but very attentive and would not miss a class. I think all the students have potential, but Kyla just had a bright light about herself. Someone who seemed to put in the extra work.

Bridges helped me with my social skills, talking more clear, speaking up, looking somebody in the eye, shaking their hand.

Ms. Dominique came and we toured Bridges. Between Bridges and Slo-Mo. One of the connections that they had, when she came in, you know, he liked her, and they hired her on the spot.

Slo-Mo Institute started in 2019. We take the medium of slime in order to create joy amongst the guests. The slime tenders are in charge of working the stations that are on the floor.

Kyla is an exceptional individual. She is so dependable. She's also really funny. Guests really love her, just like the employees do.

Bridges' work actually brought me joy. It brought her out. You know, her personality just blossomed after she started working. It just brought her to be who she is today. I

love the fact that they stay connected with her. Ms. Dominique continues to talk to Kyla monthly, how her grades, how her school. I knew I wanted to go to college after high school. Now I'm doing my major classes.

I see myself working in the women's side of sports. Especially since I played sports growing up.

Bridges is the conduit from education to business community. You know, you mesh the three, and you have successful outcomes such as Kyla. When you look at television, you see all the negative things about what's happening with young people. I love the idea that we can change lives to provide meaningful employment for students who, in a lot of cases, were overlooked. I love the idea that we can change lives to provide meaningful employment for students who, in a lot of cases, were overlooked. I love the idea that we can change lives to provide meaningful employment for students who, in a lot of cases, were overlooked.

Well, we want to have a student to not just get a job. We want you to grow in it. We want you to get promoted. We want you to start on your career path. And I think the possibilities are limitless in what we can accomplish with Bridges.

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