"I Found My Voice": A Mentor's Reflection on Confidence, Courage, and Community
"I Found My Voice": A Mentor's Reflection on Confidence, Courage, and Community
A Moment to Remember
October 13, 2025 — a rainy Monday in Northern California.
The kind of rain that makes you wonder if anyone will show up. But they did — drenched, dripping, and all. The room buzzed with warmth, laughter, and anticipation as the Annual Golf Classic Tournament – Golf for Good, hosted by Junior Achievement of Northern California, began indoors.
It turned out to be the perfect setting for something even brighter than sunshine — human connection.
That afternoon, I watched Devondre Hickerson, my mentee through the Junior Achievement Workforce Coaching Program, step confidently onto the stage.
He stood there — calm, grounded, poised — as if he’d been doing this all his life. And then, he spoke.
Devondre’s Speech: Finding His Voice
“Hi everyone, my name is Devondre Hickerson. I’m from Oakland, California, and right now I’m a student-athlete at Los Medanos College.
This past summer, I had the blessing to join the Junior Achievement Workforce Coaching Program, and honestly, it’s been one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had so far.
Through JA, I’ve built a lot more confidence in my communication skills. That’s helped me talk to professors, reach out to potential employers, and even stand up here and speak in front of all of you today.
I also learned how to set SMART goals—how to be clear about what I want to achieve, track my progress, and hold myself accountable.
One of my proudest moments was when I finished the program and looked at the résumé my mentor helped me create. For the first time, I felt truly confident applying for jobs—something I never thought I’d feel.
I believe more students should have access to programs like Junior Achievement, especially those who don’t always feel seen or heard in school. JA creates a space where you can grow, be challenged, and realize what you’re capable of.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned from JA and from my mentor, Mamta Goyal, as I explore my college and career paths. My goal is to become a certified auto technician, and now I know I have the tools and confidence to make that happen.
Thank you to everyone here today for supporting Junior Achievement—you’re helping make opportunities like this possible for students like me.”
The applause came instantly — not polite, but heartfelt. The kind that fills a room with warmth on a cold, rainy day.
As I watched him speak, I saw the courage it takes for a young person to share their story — not as a script, but as truth.
A Journey Rooted in Family and Grit
Devondre’s story begins in Pittsburg, California, where he graduated from Pittsburg High School in June 2025 with a 3.8 GPA. A Varsity Football receiver for two seasons, he was recognized as “Most Dedicated Player of the Year.”
Now a freshman at Los Medanos College, he balances academics and athletics as a running back and wide receiver — an example of quiet persistence.
But what makes Devondre special isn’t just his achievements — it’s his character.
He often talks about his late grandfather, an auto mechanic, who taught him what it means to work hard, stay humble, and take pride in learning. His wanting an auto technician certificate stems from that legacy — a way to honor his grandfather’s hands-on wisdom while forging his own path.
The Heart of Mentorship
Mentorship, I’ve learned, is not about teaching. It’s about unlocking.
When I joined the Junior Achievement Workforce Coaching Program, I imagined coaching students through résumés, interviews, and career planning. But with Devondre, the work went deeper — into self-belief, reflection, and ownership.
We talked about goals, time management, and communication, yes. But more than that, we explored the “why” behind them — the mindset that sustains growth when things get hard.
He always showed up ready to learn, and often left me thinking about something new.
That’s the beauty of mentoring — it’s mutual growth disguised as guidance.
Junior Achievement: Confidence That Lasts
The Junior Achievement Workforce Coaching Program gives students not just employability skills, but a sense of identity.
Each participant earns an Essential Work Skills Credential, developing real-world strengths like:
Communication and collaboration
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Creativity and cultural agility
Self-direction and accountability
It’s where students who might not always feel “seen” discover that they already have everything it takes — they just need the right environment to practice.
As Devondre said, “JA creates a space where you can grow, be challenged, and realize what you’re capable of.”
A Room Full of Pride
Even though the rain poured outside, the room felt bright.
When Devondre finished his speech, I looked over at his mother and two grandmothers — three generations of women glowing with pride. Their faces said everything: He did it.
I caught his mom’s eye and smiled. We both knew this moment was bigger than a speech. It was a milestone — the first of many.
Lessons That Stay With You
From that day, I carry three lessons close:
Growth is weatherproof.
Even when it rains — literally or figuratively — people who care still show up.Mentorship multiplies belief.
You see potential in someone until they can see it for themselves.Confidence is contagious.
When one person finds their voice, others start believing they can, too.
Looking Ahead
Devondre’s journey is just beginning.
He’s an upcoming student-athlete, a future certified auto technician, a devoted son and grandson, and most of all — a young man who’s learning to lead his own life with intention.
His story is exactly what growth sounds like.
Why Programs Like This Matter
In a world where so much noise tells young people what they aren’t, programs like Junior Achievement remind them of what they are.
Capable. Creative. Courageous.
The Workforce Coaching Program doesn’t just prepare students for jobs — it prepares them for life.
And for mentors, it’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about title or tenure — it’s about showing up for someone, rain or shine.
An Invitation to Pay It Forward
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to make a difference,” — this is your sign.
Volunteer. Listen. Mentor.
You don’t have to have all the answers — just the willingness to believe in someone’s potential.
Reach out to Susan Park Moser at Junior Achievement of Northern California to learn how you can be part of this incredible program.
Because on that rainy afternoon, amid umbrellas and applause, I was reminded that real impact doesn’t depend on the weather — only on the heart. 💚
