Together We…Create Core Memories
Do you remember the first time you lost a tooth? Or the moment you suddenly realized you couldn’t find your mom in a crowded supermarket aisle? Moments like these often become what psychologists call “core memories,” which are experiences so vivid and emotional that they stay with us for years and subtly shape who we become.
For Yazmin Alba-Paredes, a Site Program Manager in the Palm Springs region, one of those core memories comes from her time in an afterschool program, where she remembers the joy of the activities and, more importantly, the care and respect she felt from the site staff who supported her.
That experience stayed with her long after childhood and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Now, in the same kind of environment that once shaped her, Yazmin channels the same excitement and positivity into leading her program, helping students create the kind of memories that once shaped her.
The “Why” Behind It All
Working in a school setting has always been Yazmin’s goal. As a child enrolled in an afterschool program, she loved the activities and the meaningful relationships she built with staff. Those early experiences continue to inspire how she supports and connects with students today.
Proud Moments
“Working hard is important because it builds discipline and confidence,” Yazmin says.
For her, effort is about more than completing tasks. When people put in consistent effort, they learn more and earn the trust of those around them. Even when no one is watching, hard work shapes the future. Success, she believes, isn’t just about talent. It’s about consistency. Yazmin strives to lead with this mindset every day, and she sees the impact it has on her team as they work together to overcome challenges.
One of the moments she is most proud of is how her team has handled ongoing construction on their new school campus. Despite the disruption, the team continues to keep the program running smoothly through strong teamwork and professionalism.
They handle early-dismissal gate waves with confidence, complete scan-outs efficiently, communicate respectfully with parents, and consistently represent their program with excellence.
Helping Students Grow
One of the best parts of Yazmin’s job is interacting with students. They truly make her day. Every day brings something new. Every conversation and every smile remind her why she chose this work.
One memory that stands out for Yazmin involves a student who has been part of her program since first grade and is now in fifth grade. When the student first joined, she was quiet and timid. Over time, Yazmin watched her grow into a confident leader through the skills she developed in the program. Today, the student even helps facilitate “Broken Calculator” during Smart Start Academics Achievement Time, demonstrating the leadership and confidence she has built along the way.
For Yazmin, moments like this are powerful reminders of how much growth can happen when students are given encouragement and support.
Beyond the Role
Outside of work, one song that instantly lifts Yazmin’s mood is “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The song inspires her because it captures the spirit of determination and the drive to keep moving forward. For Yazmin, it’s a reminder to not let obstacles stand in the way of pursuing goals, a mindset that allowed her to earn her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Riverside.
It also holds personal meaning. She and her husband often run 5Ks together, and whenever she earns her medal at the finish line, this is the song she plays. Running has become something they both enjoy to stay active and motivated. It allows them to spend meaningful time together while celebrating the goals they achieve as a team.
For Yazmin, her work at Think Together has come full circle. The afterschool program that once shaped her childhood became one of the memories that guided her toward a career in education. Today, through the programs she leads and the environment she creates for her students, she hopes to give them the same sense of encouragement and belonging that once meant so much to her. Moments like these may one day become the core memories that shape who they become.
