In case you missed it!
For those of you who couldn’t join us at the gala, we’d like to share a powerful speech from one of the evening’s highlights. Valerie Colin, a first-generation Latina senior at the Preuss School UCSD, shared her inspiring story of resilience, self-discovery, and gratitude for A Bridge for Kids. Here is Valerie’s speech, capturing the essence of how your support continues to uplift students like her.
Valerie’s Speech
Good evening, everyone.
My name is Valerie Colin, and I am honored to be here tonight to share my journey with you.
As a first-generation Latina senior at the Preuss School UCSD, I navigate the world as a student who is hard of hearing. At five years old, I was diagnosed with severe hearing loss, and my challenges began. My family couldn’t afford to replace my hearing aids if I lost them, instilling a sense of responsibility in me at an early age.
When I discovered A Bridge for Kids, it felt like a lifeline. The day I received the call from the organization, informing me that I’d been sponsored, my heart soared. For the first time, I felt seen and supported—my dreams mattered.
I encourage you to reflect on a moment in your life where you felt lost, maybe anxious, and possibly alone. How did it feel to be seen? To be heard? That’s what A Bridge for Kids does—it provides visibility, support, and a community.
Through ABFK, I received resources to pursue my passions as an artist and share the experiences of those who are hard of hearing. My hard-working parents would love to provide me with the necessary tools, however, living expenses must be prioritized. With the help of generous sponsors and donors, I’ve had experiences I could only dream of: from bowling and ice skating to visiting beautiful places like Yosemite and Catalina Island. Most importantly, this past summer year, I toured both East and West Coast colleges and I am proud to say that I’m now applying to my dream school, Yale, and I’d appreciate any good juju you can send my way!
The growth of A Bridge for Kids in supporting students like me has been incredible. They remind me that success is rooted in community. Thank you, Michael, for founding this organization, and to all of you—your support truly makes a difference in the lives of students and their families, including mine.
Thank you all!
I would now like to introduce another A Bridge for Kids student. Her name is Mayerling and she is going to share her story as well and she might even have a little surprise for everyone at the end of it!!!