While DeAnna’s home life in Chicago’s South Side was going through turmoil, she struggled to stay engaged in school – until FIRST^® gave her an environment and mentorship that helped her stay connected and find purpose. She joined a FIRST^® Tech Challenge team led by team mentor Bruce, a retiree who wanted to help kids achieve a bright future and stay engaged himself. Through Bruce’s encouragement and support, DeAnna graduated, went to college, and landed her dream job, and now the FIRST alum helps younger members of her family find their own paths forward. Watch her story in the video below.

“I started to find my purpose. Bruce was there along the way to say, ‘You can do this.’” –DeAnna

“I thought maybe I could learn something as much as I could teach.” –Bruce