When Alex Suarez reflects on his journey through college, he does not start with grades or milestones. He starts with people.
“Operation Jump Start gave me mentors who guided me through college and helped me stay focused,” he shares. “It built a community that pushed me to grow and stay accountable.”
As a member of the UC Riverside Class of 2027, Alex’s college experience has been shaped not only by academic ambition, but by the steady presence of mentorship and belonging. Through OJS, he found more than guidance—he found a network that challenged him to think bigger about his future and his role in the world.
Like many first-generation college students, navigating higher education can feel overwhelming. The systems are unfamiliar. The expectations are high. The path forward is not always clear. For Alex, Operation Jump Start became the bridge between uncertainty and confidence. Through mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and hands-on experiences, he learned how to advocate for himself.
“OJS taught me how to reach out to people, ask for help, and see the world in a wider way,” Alex says. “It helped me understand new opportunities and gave me the confidence to pursue them.”
That confidence was put into practice during one of his most meaningful OJS experiences: a group trip to Guanajuato, Mexico.
“My favorite memory with OJS was the trip to Guanajuato with the group of eight of us,” he recalls. “We explored the culture, food, and history together. We also visited San Miguel de Allende, and the trip brought us close in a way I did not expect.”
For Alex, the trip was more than travel—it was transformation. Experiencing new places alongside peers who shared similar goals created a powerful sense of belonging. It reinforced the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and recognizing growth in unfamiliar spaces.
“It showed me how much you grow when you experience new places with people who share your goals,” he explains.
The impact of Operation Jump Start in Alex’s life extends beyond academics and experiences. It has shaped his understanding of community and responsibility. OJS did not simply support him, it invited him to become part of something larger than himself.
That is why Alex now embodies the spirit of giving that defines Operation Jump Start. As a member of OJS’s Giving Circle monthly giving program, he donates monthly to ensure future students receive the same mentorship, opportunities, and encouragement that shaped his journey.
His decision to give back while still a student speaks volumes. It reflects gratitude—but also leadership. Alex understands that sustained impact requires collective investment.
“OJS gives students support they do not get anywhere else,” he says. “It offers mentorship, guidance, and real chances to grow. It builds community and gives students direction during hard times. When people support OJS, they help more students stay in school, reach out for help, and find opportunities that change their path.”
For Alex, Operation Jump Start was not just a program—it was a catalyst. It helped him recognize his potential, expand his perspective, and develop the courage to pursue opportunities he may not have otherwise considered.
Today, he stands not only as a student shaped by support, but as a young leader committed to extending that support to others.
And that is the ripple effect of Operation Jump Start.