Story submitted by: Daniela
Head Start Alumni and Parent

Dear Head Start,

I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous impact your program has had on my life and the lives of my children. When my mother, sister and I immigrated from Mexico to San Diego in 1988, I enrolled in Head Start as a young child. The compassionate staff encouraged my mother to sign up for night school classes so that both of us could learn English, which laid the foundation for our successful integration into American society.

Through Head Start, I had unforgettable experiences such as visits to the zoo, Sea World, and a local farm, which instilled in me a profound appreciation for my teachers and my mother’s sacrifices. I also received invaluable emotional support and learned emotional intelligence skills at the age of four, which have had a lasting impact on my life.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to close down my flower shop, I applied for Head Start for my two children, Daniela and Sebastian. The positive impact on their education was evident from the start. Sebastian gained confidence in communicating effectively with others and acquired important life skills. The curriculum at Head Start prepared him for the challenges of kindergarten and fostered independence and empathy.

Daniela’s artistic abilities flourished at Head Start, thanks to the curriculum’s focus on nurturing creativity. She gained confidence in expressing herself and exploring her talents. The emphasis on self-expression empowered her to communicate effectively and develop overall communication skills.

I am immensely grateful to Head Start for providing my children with a remarkable education and preparing them for future challenges. The tools, confidence, independence, and empathy they gained from your program have shaped them into secure and well-rounded individuals. I have no doubt that the strong educational foundation they received at Head Start will continue to support them throughout their academic journey.

I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Lorena for her hard work and dedication as the director of Karen D Love Center Area 1 Head Start. Her commitment and exceptional leadership have made a profound difference in the lives of the students, staff, and parents.

With heartfelt thanks,

Daniela Gomez