06/19/2021
Meet our next spotlight, Alan Flores! Alan was born in Mexico and moved to Knoxville in 2009 from Indiana. He has been involved with Centro since he went to school at Bearden High School, throughout his undergrad at Maryville, and now through his current position as a Career and College Access Coach at Fulton High School through Project GRAD Knoxville.
As a DACA recipient, in highschool Alan was looking for funding and opportunities for college and his counselor told him about a scholarship funded by Centro. He was one of the two recipients! From then on, Alan became involved in different capacities, including teaching ELL and then Adult Literacy classes as he completed his undergrad at Maryville College. He currently is a Youth LEAD Mentor and also collobarates with Centro through his job with Project GRAD.
Alan was the first Daca recipient to graduate from Maryville College in 2019. He had majored in BioChemistry, but his experience as a DACA student and passion for helping other students motivated him to switch career paths. He was impacted by his own experience and knew those struggles existed for other Daca students. He began assisting in admissions events or would speak to students through Centro, which has led him to his current position.
Alan speaks to his position both with Project Grad and as a Youth LEAD Mentor, saying “It has been particularly special to work with the Latino population here, particularly those who are undocumented and DACA, and being able to be a role model for them.” He offers support for these students, because he understands certain struggles such as the financial barriers that so often prevent these students from pursuing higher education. For Alan, it’s inspiring for him to be a part of the process of them graduating and pursuing success.
Alan chooses to be involved with Centro, because Centro has opened his eyes to the need and want in the community as well as encourages him to be a better person and give back. In his free time, he loves reading books, watching movies, and playing video games. Mil gracias, Alan, for your continued support and involvement!
¡Les presentamos a nuestro próximo destacado , Alan Flores! Alan nació en México y se mudó a Knoxville en 2009 desde Indiana. Ha estado colaborando con Centro desde que iba a la escuela en Bearden High School, luego continuó durante su Licenciatura en Maryville, y ahora en su puesto como instructor de acceso a la universidad y carrera en Fulton High School a través del Proyecto GRAD Knoxville.
Como beneficiario de DACA durante la escuela secundaria, Alan se encontraba buscando fondos y oportunidades para la universidad y su consejero le comentó sobre una beca financiada por Centro. ¡Al final terminó siendo uno de los dos destinatarios! A partir de entonces, Alan se involucró en diferentes actividades como en la enseñanza de ELL y luego con las clases de alfabetización para adultos mientras cursaba su Licenciatura en Maryville College. Actualmente es mentor LEAD de jóvenes y también colabora con Centro a través de su trabajo con Project GRAD.
Alan fue el primer beneficiario de DACA en graduarse de Maryville College en 2019. Se había especializado en Bioquímica, pero su experiencia como estudiante de DACA y su pasión por ayudar a otros estudiantes lo motivaron a cambiar de carrera. Su propia experiencia lo impactó y supo que esas luchas existían para otros estudiantes de DACA. Comenzó a ayudar en los eventos de admisión o hablaba con los estudiantes a través de Centro, lo que lo ha llevado a su puesto actual.
Alan nos comenta sobre su trabajo tanto en Project GRAD y también como mentor LEAD juvenil, diciendo “Ha sido particularmente especial trabajar con la población latina aquí, especialmente con aquellos que son indocumentados y DACA y que él pueda ser un modelo a seguir para ellos." Alan ofrece apoyo a estos estudiantes porque comprende ciertas luchas, como las barreras financieras que a menudo impiden que estos estudiantes continúen una educación superior. Para Alan, es inspirador ser parte del proceso de graduación y la búsqueda del éxito.
Alan elige estar involucrado con Centro ya que la organización le ha abierto los ojos a la necesidad y el deseo de la comunidad y lo anima a ser una mejor persona y retribuir. En su tiempo libre, le encanta leer libros, ver películas y jugar videojuegos. ¡Mil gracias, Alan, por tu continuo apoyo y participación!
