Growing up I was exposed to a variety of experiences. Some were moments of grounding, showing me some of the tougher circumstances that life could bring. Some were windows into possibility, inspiring me to seek out my dreams.
This is why I LIFT. I see pieces of my journey reflected in the lives and faces of our members and their children. Some of our members, like me, are first-generation students utilizing higher education to unlock opportunity. Others demonstrate their determination and ingenuity when faced with poverty, something I am all too familiar with. The common thread across all of our narratives is an unstoppable sense of resiliency, bolstered by the hopes we hold for our children.
After a year as a parent myself, I can certainly say this aligns with my experience. I look at my son and I see limitless potential. I imagine who he will choose to be and what he will dream of accomplishing. My hope is to provide him with all of the tools and support he needs to see those dreams realized.
I have the great fortune to be in community with our members throughout their journeys at LIFT. They talk about the hopes they have for their families and how they use it to fuel their drive towards accomplishing their goals. They want their kids to know a world that is better than the one they grew up in. They inspire me to continue this work, so that we can collectively ensure that hope continues to shine brightly.
Michael Lopez
Program Manager of Coaching, LIFT-Los Angeles