A wonderful experience can change your life and it can make or break your future success. Currently, I am in the midst of experiencing a great summer. Rising Sun is an organization that helps the planet and Northern California communities. This program creates jobs that help young people like me get work experience. They also invest in our future by helping us become leaders.
 
As we all know, getting your first job is not easy. We are discouraged from applying to jobs for lack of work experience. There aren’t many job opportunities that offer a place for those who do not have work experience and who are young. Rising Sun’s stands out among those few organization that offers individuals this. They train those of us (usually young) without any prior work knowledge.
 
I have had the opportunity to work for Rising Sun for two summers now. My first summer at Rising Sun, I was hired as an Energy Specialist Driver. Although this was not my first job, it definitely was the best one that I have ever had.
 
You may be wondering how was this job at different from any previous jobs I’ve had?
The reason why I decided to work for Rising Sun for a second summer was to get leadership skills. I felt that becoming a Leader In Field Training (LIFT) was an excellent opportunity. I knew I could continue to develop and showcase all my professional experience. Through Rising Sun, I learned how to sharpen those skills as well as other companies I’ve worked for. I’ve  gained much education through Rising Sun. I’ve learned about energy and water conservation. This enabled me to educate other people in my community through the program.
 
As a LIFT I have more responsibilities. I am not only able to help my managers, but I am so glad to be in a role where I can help youth with their first job. I am able to be a peer mentor to those who I work with and this in return helps me grow as a leader.My hope is to return to Rising Sun for a third summer and become a Summer Program Manager. This way I can apply all the skills and experiences I learned from the past two summers and become a great manager.
 
Although some may not label me as successful quite yet. I know one day I’ll be recognized as successful. I know that with the help of Rising Sun I am on the pathway to success.

Written By: Nicholas Camargo, CYES LIFT, serving the Cities of Dublin and Pleasanton.