When Breida Cambron was four-years-old, she fell in love with KidWorks for the first time. Today, as a nursing major student at Santa Ana College, Breida recalls precious memories from those early years attending our state-licensed preschool.
“We learned the letters of the alphabet, painted and danced,” Breida recalls. “At that time, preschool was held in a converted one-room apartment on Townsend Street. I loved KidWorks so much that once when my uncle came to pick me up, I pretended not to even know him so I wouldn’t ever have to leave!”
Breida’s preschool teacher at the time was Alma Magana, who continues with us to this day, shaping the minds of our youngest scholars.
Alma fondly recalls the days when Breida was her preschool student.
“When Breida was in preschool, she was a very focused child,” Alma says. “Each day, she was on time and ready to learn. She paid close attention during story time and liked to read.”
Adds Alma, “KidWorks’ preschool was very crucial for not just Breida but all the Cambron children. Despite family hardships, the KidWorks’ team always made them feel at home and welcome. Breida had the option to follow the crowd, however, she kept her head high and followed her goals.”
Breida has stayed enrolled in KidWorks’ after school programs all the way through high school and has remained connected with our staff well into her college journey.
She recalls attending our summer camp in Yosemite during middle school. It was her very first time visiting the mountains and her first time being away from home.
Initially homesick, she stuck it out and was picked by staff and other students for a leadership role. Breida also found spiritual inspiration in the Bible studies that are always taught during our summer camp and during spring break activities.
“I learned to put God before everything,” she recalls. “And that has helped me over the years.”
The years have included significant health and financial problems for Breida and her family members.
“No matter what, KidWorks has always stood with me,” Breida says.
Most recently, KidWorks provided support and guidance when her father and brother contracted COVID-19 and lost employment. They have since recovered and are back to work.
In Breida’s case, KidWorks guided her through a rough patch in 2018. After enrolling in Cal State San Bernardino, she quickly realized she had chosen the wrong school. She faced a variety of obstacles along the way. Cal State staff just weren’t responsive when she sought solutions that would allow her to continue her studies. She even briefly considered dropping out—which went against her every instinct.
That’s when Breida reached out to Alma, as well as Jessica Ellis, Site Director at our Dan Donahue Center; Erika Sanchez, College & Career Manager and Beckie White, our Manager of Marketing & Communications.
“They convinced me not to quit and instead guided me through all the steps necessary to enroll in Santa Ana College so that I could continue to pursue a nursing degree,” Breida said.
She aspires to focus on oncology and pediatrics as her nursing specialty. Her inspiration has been her family physician for 19 years, Dr. Vinh Thua and seeing the daily struggles that her community faces due to health conditions.
KidWorks even provided her with a working laptop when her own broke and she couldn't afford repairs or the cost of a new one.
She adds, “These women helped me recognize and overcome many difficult obstacles, including my own health issues, so that I could pursue financial aid, fill out the proper enrollment forms, sign up for classes and volunteer at CHOC.”
Breida also showed true tenacity and persistence herself, something she first learned at KidWorks. She spent three days checking out the entire Santa Ana College campus and pursued a personal meeting with the chairperson of the honors program so she could enroll in challenging classes.
“Breida is extremely resourceful and hardworking,” says Erika Sanchez, our College & Career Manager. “She is determined to accomplish her goals despite any setbacks. She actively seeks out mentors. This is a bright young lady with incredible tenacity.”
Adds Erika, “Breida’s decision to become a nurse demonstrates her passion to help others in times of crises and hardships. Her family has instilled in her great values and character. They have persevered together during hardship and continue to encourage Breida on her journey.”
Our future nurse is also deeply grateful to every donor and supporter who has helped students like her.
““The community surrounding KidWorks faces many obstacles and other at-risk factors,” Breida says. “KidWorks’ donors and supporters make a real difference. Because of their generosity, students like me won’t become dropout statistics and instead develop into lifelong contributors to the community.” ”
While this KidWorks’ success story is fully focused on her college classes, she also has a healthy range of outside interests that include reading, drawing, physical fitness, visiting museums and even partnering with her two sisters to make homemade Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations.
Breida tells a story from her preschool days that symbolizes what KidWorks means to her:
“Each student made a clay handprint on two ceramic molds. One, we took home and the other remained at KidWorks. The significance of that lifelong memory is that it reflects how a part of me will always be at KidWorks and that a part of KidWorks will forever be within me.”
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer