When Sofia moved to Orange County in the middle of high school, everything changed. Separated from her dad and adjusting to a new environment, she and her mom were working hard just to get by. To help support her family, Sofia took on a job at Taco Bell, balancing long work hours while trying to stay on track in school.
It would have been easy for her to fall behind. For many students facing that level of responsibility and instability, school becomes secondary, and the path forward starts to feel out of reach. But early on, Sofia was connected to StandUp for Kids through a mental health specialist, opening the door to support before those challenges could take over.
With guidance from her case manager, Sofia began building structure into her days. She worked on time management, stayed on top of her assignments, and found a rhythm that allowed her to balance school and a 25-hour work week. That consistency made all the difference. She not only stayed on track, she graduated high school early.
Now, Sofia is stepping into her next chapter. She has been accepted to Santa Monica College, where she is beginning her college journey studying prelaw. With support navigating the application process and connecting with an academic advisor, she is already enrolled in her first courses and working toward her long-term goals.
Sofia’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when support shows up early. When a young person is given the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need at the right time, it can change the direction of everything that follows.