A Journey of Growth, Gratitude, and Community
From a nervous college intern to Friendly Center’s Orange Site Lead, one team member reflects on the people, opportunities, and experiences that shaped her journey. Now as the organization’s “Employee of the Year”.
By Vanessa Pérez
My journey at Friendly Center began during my final year at California State University, Long Beach. After speaking with a faculty member from the Psychology Resource Office, I was encouraged to apply for PSY 405, Internship in Psychology.
I wanted more than just the credits needed to graduate. I wanted hands-on experience that could help prepare me for my future career. Out of hundreds of psychology students, only 15 to 20 students per section would be accepted, so I was nervous that I would not be selected. One week after applying, however, Dr. Ahrens personally emailed me to congratulate me on my acceptance. I was shocked and incredibly grateful.
The next challenge was finding the right internship. Looking back, I realize that some of the opportunities that shape our lives come from people who believe in us before we fully believe in ourselves. For me, that person was my father.
He encouraged me to ask about an internship at the corporate plaza where he worked as a maintenance man. One of the organizations there was Friendly Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families throughout Orange County.
After learning about Friendly Center and its mission, I took a chance and emailed CEO Dr. Kenia Cueto. I was nervous and worried that I might not qualify because I had no previous experience in the field. Still, I reached out, hoping the opportunity could become the beginning of my journey toward a career in industrial-organizational psychology.
Dr. Cueto responded within hours, eager to support me. Soon, I was working with Mrs. Jessica Vargas to complete my training and paperwork and officially begin my internship.
Like many people starting something new, I was nervous. I remember sitting at the administrative table with my laptop and a notebook, eager to become a reliable member of the team.
My responsibilities ranged from organizing documents and evaluating resumes to helping with Friendly Center’s annual golf tournament and gala, assisting with holiday events, and creating a presentation about the organization for future interns and employees.
What made the biggest impression on me, however, was the people. Everyone was patient, understanding, attentive, and supportive. Even when I worried about making mistakes, Mrs. Vargas and Dr. Cueto trusted me with independent projects and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone.
After balancing school, internship hours, and my personal life, I completed my requirements and successfully passed PSY 405. Leaving Friendly Center was bittersweet. I felt accomplished and grateful, but I was also sad that my internship had come to an end. I knew, however, that the experience had given me something much more valuable than credits. It had shown me that I had something meaningful to contribute.
Finding My Place at Friendly Center
With Friendly Center’s support and encouragement, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology in May 2025. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college and the first woman in my family to complete higher education. My parents had sacrificed their time and worked hard to create a better future for me, and earning my degree was a reflection of everything they had done.
Three months later, I received a message from Dr. Cueto that a part-time position was available at Friendly Center’s Rose location as an Information and Referral Specialist.
Once again, I was nervous. I had limited knowledge of the resources available in Orange, and I knew I would be working directly with people seeking help during difficult moments in their lives.
Then I was reunited with Mrs. Jessica Ruelas, who became my supervisor.
She patiently taught me everything I needed to know, answered my countless questions, and gradually gave me more independence.
What started with her sitting beside me throughout the day eventually became her trusting me to handle my responsibilities on my own.
I am grateful that Mrs. Ruelas, Dr. Cueto, and my coworkers never treated my questions or struggles as weaknesses. Instead, they helped build me up and encouraged me to believe in myself.
As I became more familiar with our clients, I found myself connecting with people whose experiences often reminded me of my own family. I began asking how they were doing, how their families were, and whether they needed additional support after receiving services.
Hearing their stories changed me. I became less afraid of new responsibilities and more motivated to seek resources and find ways to help. What once intimidated me became work that I genuinely cared about.
My father had always told me to learn from every opportunity, even when something was not technically part of my job. He taught me that taking initiative and being willing to learn could benefit me in the long run. His advice stayed with me throughout my journey.
Behind the Scenes, Everyone Matters
In December 2025, I transitioned into the Administrative Coordinator role, supporting the directors at our Administrative Office.
I was proud that my work was being recognized, but I was even more excited to know that I had become someone the organization considered reliable.
The position gave me a new perspective on Friendly Center. I saw firsthand how much work happens behind the scenes to keep our programs strong and dependable. Reports, paperwork, notes, planning, and coordination may not always be visible to the community, but they are essential to making our mission possible.
Whether someone is supporting a family one-on-one, preparing food for a distribution market, coordinating an educational program, or working behind the scenes to keep operations moving, every person plays a valuable role.
It truly takes a team to make a dream possible.
A New Chapter for My Family
Today, I am proud to serve as Friendly Center’s Orange Site Lead, coordinating and supporting programs at our Orange site and the families we serve.
But my journey with Friendly Center has also had a deeply personal impact on my own family.
In July 2026, my family and I were able to move into a larger two-bedroom apartment with two parking spaces and our own side yard, thanks in part to the resources, support, and encouragement of the Friendly Center community.
For 12 years, my family had shared a one-bedroom apartment. My brother and I slept in a bunk bed in our living room and kitchen area, and we shared one parking space. We also experienced situations that made us concerned about our safety.
Before that, during my elementary school years, my family and I lived in a motel, where we all slept on a pull-out couch in the living room.
I recognize how fortunate we were to always have a roof over our heads, but having a larger home where my family has more space and, most importantly, feels safe has brought an incredible sense of relief and peace.
Being able to help my family reach this new chapter is something I will always be grateful for.
A Community That Believes in Me
My journey would not have been possible through my work alone.
I think of my parents, whose sacrifices made my education possible. I think of my supervisors, who became mentors and people I can trust wholeheartedly. I think of my coworkers, who brighten my days and carry me through difficult moments.
And I think of Dona Elena, who has spent years working behind the scenes to keep our facilities clean and welcoming for our families and guests.
Every one of them holds a special place in my heart.
Friendly Center has become my second home. It has taught me to see potential instead of failure, to recognize the value in every person, and to understand that sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to change the direction of your life.
I love what I do. I love my team. And I love the people we serve, many of whom have become part of my daily life.
This journey has shown me that community truly makes a difference. It has helped me grow, discover my own potential, and realize that I am capable of more than I once believed.
If I have been able to move forward because of the kindness, guidance, and support of others, then I hope to give that same kindness back.
There may be someone in our community silently struggling, wondering if they are capable or worthy of a better future. I hope I can be one of the people who reminds them that they are.
Sometimes, all it takes is someone believing in you first.