Stuff the Bus inspires students to succeed

During my sophomore year at Edison High School, I received a box of donated school supplies from Communities in Schools (CIS). I was impressed to learn that the donations came from businesses and organizations in our community that participated in the “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive. I was very grateful for the gift, especially since our family budget was tight. However, I didn’t realize how much of an impact it would make on my future education. The gift encouraged me to join the Inspire U mentoring program, which motivated me to graduate and become the first person in my family to go to college. It also provided the opportunity to take part in three summer internships with CPS Energy.

During my internship this summer, everything came full circle when I got to work as a lead coordinator for CPS Energy’s “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive. It’s been an honor to help employees and interns collect more than 1,200 pounds of school supplies and $1,000 in monetary donations. I was happy to see so many employees from various work areas and departments donate school supplies. It’s amazing to think that many students’ lives will be impacted, just like mine was several years ago.

The project also provided me some valuable leadership experience. I was overwhelmed when I first started working on it this summer, but my summer mentor, Cristina Duarte, and many others on the Corporate Responsibility team helped me complete the project successfully.

It’s been a privilege to get work experience with one of the best companies in San Antonio. I’ve truly been inspired to start pursuing my degree in education next year. Someday, when I become a teacher, I hope to inspire students to become successful, too.