Chapter 5: It Was A Full Circle Moment

Katherine Luna was a senior at Alliance Gertz Ressler High School in South Los Angeles when she heard Richard’s story. “I remember Richard sharing that he was a first generation college student–that stood out to me. Hearing about his experience helped me envision myself succeeding and graduating from college.”

After the presentation, Richard shared +ME’s social media handles and Katherine immediately followed us on Instagram. She was curious to know how the plan Richard mentioned to build an entire organization around the power of story would come to fruition. “I wanted to stay connected and see how it grew.”     

Katherine eventually graduated high school and attended Cal State Northridge earning a BA in Communication Studies. As a college student, she was a peer mentor for the EOP program that offers guidance for first-generation, low income students like herself. Higher education was always something she had to navigate with the support of community around her–and the inspiration of examples like Richard’s. Working with younger college students helped Katherine find her passion for helping others and using her experience to guide others. 

Now a Program Coordinator at Heart of Los Angeles, Katherine, connects students in-need with help for them to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. This year she invited PLUS ME to bring our Storytellers PLUS ME program to her students. “It was a full circle moment,” Katherine remembers, “I was able to see all of the work PLUS ME has been doing and how they have evolved.” More than anything, the sessions helped create a stronger sense of community among her students–something they need now more than ever. “...[they] talked and got to know each other. It helped me learn things about our students…and provided them a chance to learn more about the staff.” Hearing from the staff about their life journeys helped students see similarities in their experience and strengthened the trust necessary for students to learn and grow. 

For Katherine, being part of a PLUS ME workshop helped her connect with her high school self. “I was able to learn and take that into sharing my story the way I would have wanted when I was a senior in high school. These tools are helpful for any age.” Our team is thrilled to connect with Katherine again and see the positive impact that story has had on her growth and the ways she continues to amplify that impact to the next generation.