Please let me introduce myself, I am Katherine Garcia. I am an independent, strong, Panamanian woman, just to give you a flavor of my soul. I am 21 years old and I am a fourth year college student at the University of Davis of California. I have reached a point in my college career to explore exactly what I will achieve in my professional career. I have decided that I want to be in publicity. I am not sure of what field exactly, but this is where Regina Jackson, the Executive Director of the East Oakland Youth Development Center, guided me through my goals as a young student.
Ms. Regina has given me tough love in many ways, such as giving me multiple internship applications with tight deadlines. She always keeps young minds in her thoughts when there are good opportunities. It is what you do with those opportunities that make them great. My moment came when Ms. Regina invited me to a “Girlfriends” panel.
First off, I had no idea that other role models were going to be present on the panel. I thought the “Girlfriends” cast was going to give autographs and take pictures. It was definitely more than that; every professional role model had something insightful to say to the growing youth. Akilah Monifa, Head of Communications for CBS 5/ UPN 44, inspired me to BELIEVE & SUCCEED. I introduced myself as a UCD college student and explained my hopes in becoming a publicist. I took her business card, emailed her the same day with my detailed interest in an internship and left her my contact information. Two days later, I received a phone call and now I am an intern at CBS 5/ UPN 44 for the summer of 2005!
I’ve learned that opportunities come and go but it is up to you to go get it. Do not wait for them to come to you, only you have the will to make it happen.
Thank you Ms. Regina for your love, support and encouragement!
Katherine Garcia
