Issam Hamdallah ‘12
“The greatest impact achieve has had on my life so far is that they have given me the resources to be the best I can be. ”

Miko Jones ‘11
"achieve has opened my eyes to the reality that I can go to college simply by working hard and being myself."

Vivian San ‘11
“achieve has given me an opportunity to use my skill and capabilities in helping others. They helped me understand that every second or minute that I volunteer, counts as something important to the people I serve. Helping others benefits me just as much as the people I serve. There is no better feeling than knowing that I've made a positive impact on another person's life.”

Monica Marquez ‘11
“The greatest impact that achieve has had on my life so far is giving the opportunity to attend one of the best high schools in the Bay Area. Without the help that achieve has given my family, I would probably not be able to receive such a fine education, because my mother cannot afford it on her own. ”

Analis Ibarra ‘12
“achieve has taught me that helping others is not only a great way to give back to our community but also our duty as people. I have learned that being able to help others is very satisfying and rewarding.”

Tifanny Li ‘12
“achieve has taught me many values of giving back to my community, which has been a new experience for me and it has been truly rewarding.”

Gladys Martinez ‘10
“What I find most helpful about achieve is that I always have someone at my back, pushing me towards the edge of a cliff. So far, I'm almost able to fly off that cliff with the help of achieve.”

Fernando Delgado ‘09
“achieve is a family that I can look to for companionship, advice, support and love. ”

Eia Gardner ‘09
“achieve has instilled in me characteristics that I will need in the future: to speak up for myself, to stand up for what is right, to accept change, and to be bold in every situation that I face. ”

Ian David ‘12
“The greatest impact achieve has had on my life so far is knowing that I have a second family that loves and cares for me.”

Martin Marquez ‘09
“I truly feel that achieve is a family--- my family. I can always talk to my achieve brothers and moderators because I know that they are there for me and they are there to listen to what I have to say.”

Alyssia Smith ‘09
“I like the fact that achieve gives young minorities a chance to succeed in life and beat the odds.”

Teresa Hartwell ‘10
“achieve is like an extra parent. It keeps you on top of your school business and pushes you to your potential.”

Katia Garcia ‘10
“The best thing about being in achieve is that we have someone other than our parents to go to for help. Achieve is like one loving family.”

Erika Rosas ‘09
“The best part of being in achieve is that it helps us become aware of our strengths and capabilities—but not only that, we learn how to use our strengths to help ourselves and to help others.”

Corrina Ramos ‘10
“achieve shows me that school is the key to your future and that it is very important to always give 100% in everything that you do.”

Ashley De Motto ‘12
“The summer experiences have helped me to realize that I can do whatever I want if I set my mind to it. I never thought that as a freshwoman, I would do cancer research experiments with doctors and be rewarded with knowing that my dad, who died of cancer, would be very proud.”
Alumni Reflections


Chiandra Lewis ‘08
“I think the one particular thing I have gained from my achieve experience that will help me most in the future is knowing that it feels good to give back.”		 Mia Henderson-Bonilla ‘08
“The most helpful thing about being in achieve is the sense of a community. At the beginning of freshman year, everyone is new, then by senior year everyone has created a bond that makes the achieve community so strong.”
Mirasol Moncada ‘08
“achieve motivates me to reach my academic potential by providing me with solutions to my problems and having unending faith in me.”

Michael Lech ‘08
“The single most life-changing experience that I have had since being in achieve is knowing that I can succeed if I set my mind to it. ”
Alberto Martinez ‘08
“Overall, I think the best thing about being in achieve is becoming a part of a new family and having new brothers and sisters.”		 Valeria Navea ‘08
“achieve has taught me to always try my best and to truly believe in myself. When others see that confidence, they too will believe in you.”
Elizabeth Abundis ‘08
“achieve has made me more confident and taught me the importance of finding a passion. How beautiful and fulfilling it is to do what you love!” 		Johanna Vargas ‘07
Confidence in myself has been the most valuable gift the achieve experience has given me. The belief in myself that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to will help me do my best in life.
Karen Gonzalez ‘07
The achieve cultural events have helped me to realize that there is a whole world out there to discover beyond the comfort of my home.		 Dani Erves ‘07
Being in achieve has given my future a jumpstart and the tools I need to succeed.
Rosa Magana ‘06
achieve has served as a substitute parent and mentor, introducing me to the theater, art, community service, and possible careers. It has expanded my knowledge of the possibilities and options that are out there.		 Rosi Rodriquez ‘06
achieve has challenged me to reach my full potential of being a bright, altruistic, competent young Mexican American woman.
Devon Burnett ’05 “Being a part of achieve helped me improve my communication and people skills. I learned the importance of networking, staying in touch, and to always make a great first impression.” Diana Perez ’05 “The achieve staff really does care about each student — not only while you are in high school, but beyond. They give you the support to insure that the success you had in high school will continue through college.”
Ryan Sims ‘03
The best thing about achieve is the mentality that everyone will succeed. If you WILL yourself to succeed then you WILL!		 Jeremy Konaris ‘02
Going to museums and plays with achieve broadened me culturally. Socially it helped me because most people assume that I just like sports and music, but find it surprising that I appreciate different things.