I can still see the sun-splashed blacktop at Green Elementary School in San Diego. In third grade, I navigated recess in my wheelchair, eager to play games but often uncertain how to break in. Then one day, something changed.
A Paralympic athlete — strong, confident and seated in a sleek racing wheelchair — visited campus to share his story and challenge students to a 100-meter dash. One by one, he left every competitor in the dust.
Later, I saw his car, outfitted with hand controls. I noticed the way he carried himself — capable, independent and assured. Until that day, I hadn’t fully imagined those possibilities for myself. That single moment expanded my vision of what was possible and, in subtle but lasting ways, shifted how my classmates saw me, too.
The experience taught me something I carry to this day: Every student needs a connection that inspires and engages them, a spark.
For some, that spark is found on the athletic field or in a club. For others, it might be a guest speaker, a hands-on project or a trusted adult who sees their potential and makes them feel like they belong.
Last year, I worked alongside educators, parents and members of our community to develop a shared vision for how we can ensure all students in Orange County have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
We called it our 5-3-1 Strategic Plan because it’s based on five goals, three priorities for supporting our districts, and one bold audacious goal for OCDE’s own alternative education program, ACCESS. Components of the plan include expanding inclusive career technical education, fostering emotional intelligence, integrating AI in education, improving school safety and exploring new funding strategies to fuel innovative programs.
The Orange County Department of Education is uniquely positioned to lead this charge. Not only do we provide direct instruction to some of the county’s most vulnerable student populations through specialized programs like ACCESS and Connections, we also deliver essential support services to the 28 local school districts we serve.
In both capacities, our mission is to help schools and communities create the kinds of experiences that inspire students to see their own potential and find their place.
As we begin this new school year, I encourage every educator, mentor, coach and community partner to consider the difference they can make. Sometimes all it takes is one activity, one opportunity or even one conversation to change the trajectory of a student’s life.
I know this because it happened to me. And I believe it can happen for every child in Orange County.