Bridges from School to Work

Ever since I've been with Bridges, I've learned a lot. There was a lot of stuff I didn't know. I never knew how to look for a job or the correct things to say in an interview. There are a lot of students that graduate from high school feeling lost because they don't have their special ed department anymore. Some of these kids fall through the cracks. He was very shy in the beginning, very nervous. Any task he would question it thinking can he do it. Little by little, I saw him changing and being himself. He doesn't second guess himself anymore.

We worked on his resume, what are the jobs that's going to be good for him, mock interviews with a lot of job applications. His work experience with Bridges started with Levi's, then he went to Project R. to Old Navy. From there, he got his permanent job at AMC Theatres. He did pursue his education with a BA in psychology.

One day, he reached out to me and said, Ria, he's like, I want to relocate to Seattle. That's what I love about Bridges. We don't lose connection with these young adults. And I told him, let's make a deal. When you get there, reach out to me so I can help you get a job remotely. He got hired by Maxim's Healthcare Staffing, and now he's a prior educator.

I saw that he was very compassionate. He was extremely hardworking, and I knew that he could do great. His role and responsibilities include working at an elementary school, middle school, high school. He works with students who are on the autism spectrum or have other developmental disabilities. He normally works one-on-one or as classroom support, making sure they're understanding the curriculum being taught to ensure they exceed in the class. And are able to communicate with other peers and have that positive experience in school. It's a school district where things are always moving fast, and we've always appreciated Marco's adaptability in the role.

I really love making sure they have a good day. I want to help the students and the teachers succeed. When I'm a one-on-one, the mindset I have is that I'm going to work until I'm no longer needed. And try to do my work to my fullest potential.

It is such a great fit for him because he was one of those students that needed the help, the guidance.

I could see myself working for Bridges one day because I really liked what Ria and Bridges has offered to me, and I'd want to do the same for young adults.

I hope he can pass this on to the next Bridges student. I'm just so proud of him. This young man has come a long way.