(Note: Celebrating its Silver Anniversary, NUSD is spotlighting some of its former graduates who have achieved success in college or career. To nominate deserving alumni, please call Communications Director Jim Sanders at 916-561-5267. Thank you.)
BELEN FLORES
School: Natomas HIgh, graduated Class of 2001
College Attended/Degree Earned: Sacramento City College, AA degree; California State University, Sacramento, Bachelor’s Degree in Media Communications.
Current career or college status:
“Over the past five years, I’ve worked my way up from Executive Assistant to Program Director and finally, Associate Director of the California Center for Civic Participation. I help ensure that a diverse number of young people are able to clearly understand various processes of government and how to think about complex policy issues facing our state. Part of how we do this is by preparing these young people by teaching them how to think about these issues, but not what to think. From there they can choose how they want to take action in their own lives by being leaders in their community.
“At this time, I run an environmentally based program called ‘Green Focus’ and help support the organization’s other programs, internal systems and outreach so that we may fully support our rich pool of youth to be leaders and change makers.”
Q: How would you complete this sentence? NUSD was good for me because …
A: “…I came from a small private school which I had been at for nine years. Being that NUSD is one of the most, if not the most racially diverse school districts in the United States, I was exposed to lots of different cultures, traditions and ethnicities which expanded my view of the world. Without that experience, I don’t think I’d be as well-rounded of an individual as I am today.”
Q: How did an NUSD education help prepare you for college or career?
A: “NUSD helped me prepare for college by providing a wide range of elective classes and programs to choose from, so I was able to explore different subject areas and find out what I liked more easily.”
Q: What advice would you give to current students:
A: “I would say to other students that their first step in succeeding is to dream and dream big! I didn’t do that much in my younger years because I just thought those sayings were cliche and I didn’t see too many adults in my world practicing what they preach. I know that a lot of young people may feel the same, but they need to know that they can follow their passions and make it happen with a little hard work and a true BELIEF in the process. The more I follow this advice, the happier and more driven I become.”
Q: Favorite memory from NUSD days?
A: “Some of my favorite memories are from freshman year because I was finally part of a large community of people who were a lot like me. I made so many friends who I enjoyed being around every day. Like most freshmen, I was wide-eyed and ready to start an exciting new chapter in my life with great people with whom I am still friends to this day.”
Q: Future goals?
A: “My future goals are to continue to teach and support people in the civic participation process and to make a large positive impact on our environment so that everyone can enjoy this beautiful place for centuries to come. Overall my goal is to leave this planet a better place than it was when I came into it.”
NUSD’S BOARD-APPROVED VISION: “All NUSD students graduate as college and career ready, productive, responsible, and engaged global citizens.”
