Together We…Lead Beyond the Classroom
For many students, the most powerful learning moments don’t happen at a desk. They happen on college campuses, inside museum galleries, or on a bus ride filled with anticipation. For Think Together’s Los Angeles Metro students, those experiences are made possible by Aida Manalo, Field Trip Coordinator.
More than a year ago, Aida began her journey at Think Together. What she’s discovered since then is simple but meaningful: expanding a student’s world sometimes starts with helping them step outside the classroom.
Purpose Rooted in Belonging
Aida immigrated from the Philippines at five years old. English was not her first language, and she remembers feeling out of place at school and in her new environment.
With the help of teachers like Mr. Lopez and Mr. Pickett, her self-doubt gradually gave way to confidence. They helped her see that she wasn’t limited by where she came from. They saw her effort. They saw her potential.
Their belief in her potential inspired Aida to aspire to become a teacher. “I wanted to be that kind of influence for students,” she shares.
Today, that purpose continues to guide her work. “I’m inspired by students who’ve been told they don’t belong because of where they were born or the color of their skin,” she says. “I know what that feels like. And I want to show them and make them realize, that there is a place for you here.”
A Day in the Life of a Field Trip Coordinator
No two weeks look the same.
Aida’s days often begin with reviewing emails, confirming logistics, and ensuring every upcoming field trip is fully accounted for. She coordinates closely with Site Program Managers, Associate Directors, and vendors to keep plans moving smoothly.
While she may not attend the trips herself, her work ensures each experience is thoughtful, organized, and seamless. It’s behind-the-scenes work, but the impact is front and center.
The Power of Exposure
Of all the trips Aida coordinates, college visits hold a special place.
While amusement parks like Universal Studios and Six Flags bring excitement, college campuses offer something different. For many students, simply being in that environment makes higher education feel real. Walking the grounds, sitting in a lecture hall, or attending a college game can shift what once felt distant into something tangible.
“Just being in that space changes how you see your future,” she says.
Even though Aida doesn’t attend the field trips herself, she sees the impact through the photos and stories shared afterward. Those moments — students smiling on campus or exploring a new environment — remind her why the coordination, confirmations, and logistics matter.
Exposure changes what feels possible.
Growing Within the Organization
Aida’s journey at Think Together began as a Substitute Program Leader. She originally planned to pursue teaching, but discovered she wanted to explore different paths in education.
When the Field Trip Coordinator role opened, she stepped into something new. With no prior coordinating experience, she learned quickly and found her rhythm.
“I realized this is my way of helping change the odds for students,” she says. “I may not be in the classroom, but I help create opportunities that expand what students believe is possible.
Beyond the Role
If she could guest star in any show or movie, it would be “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” She’d love to discover which element she’d be assigned, or step into the world of Pandora to see her Na’vi character come to life.
Aida also shares that her dream road trip includes traveling to Sweden to see the Northern Lights. “I’d be grabbing a blue bag of Chex Mix and something chocolatey along the way,” she exclaims.
Outside of work, Aida expresses her creativity through nail design, specializing in gel-x and press-ons. She also enjoys building Legos — her typewriter set now sits in her office — and trying new cafés. Her go-to order: a pistachio latte, no ice.
