Together We…Make College a Reality
The year is 2009 and Rachelle Adame has just spent her first day volunteering at Think Together. At that moment, she had no idea she would be with this organization on and off for the next 16 years. Flash forward to 2025, and Rachelle is excelling as the only High School Site Program Manager for Eisenhower High School in Rialto. She works to push the Workforce Readiness Education Program (W.R.E.P.) program and help her students go to their dream colleges. This is Rachelle’s story …
Why did you choose to work at Think Together?
I originally started with Think Together as a volunteer and had the opportunity to coach and support students. I genuinely enjoyed seeing the difference I could make in their lives, which inspired me to formally apply to work here. After some time, I stepped away to explore other opportunities, but I always found myself drawn back to the mission of Think Together. I returned because I truly believe in our impact on students and by giving a helping hand.
What is your favorite summer activity? Why?
I like to stay cool! I really enjoy grilling and hanging out in my backyard, especially during those long summer evenings. It’s the perfect time to play card games, listen to music and relax. I absolutely love treating myself to ice cream or snow cones, especially on hot days. When it gets too warm, I’m all for watching a good movie or spending time anywhere with a strong AC!
What accomplishments have you or your team done this year that has filled you with the most pride? (Be specific) Why?
I’m most proud of our success with W.R.E.P. Through this program, students gain essential skills such as resume writing, professionalism, interview techniques, how to dress for success, financial literacy and real-world experience through a paid internship. This year, more than 45 students completed the W.R.E.P. classes and 24 of them went on to participate in the paid internship portion.
What made this achievement especially meaningful was hearing the interns’ presentations at the end of the program. Watching them reflect on their growth and confidently share what they learned was incredibly fulfilling.
What is your “senior quote ” for this school year? Why?
“Remember who you are and be the best version of yourself. And always make good choices!” I say this to my students regularly because I want them to stay true to themselves while striving for growth. It’s a reminder that their character matters, and that every decision they make shapes their future. Simple, but powerful words they can carry with them.
What makes a ‘good day’ at Eisenhower High School?
It’s when we reach that one student. It’s about making a difference whether it’s helping them feel safe, heard or simply reminding them that they matter. To me, success isn’t always measured in numbers, but in those meaningful moments where a student feels supported and knows they’re not alone. At Eisenhower High School and Think Together, we strive to create a sense of family, and a good day is when a student truly feels that they belong.
Do you have a student story that stuck with you?
I’ve had the privilege of working with a student who joined our program as a sophomore. Over the years, she became a student leader and was also captain of our dance team. This year, she graduated and will be attending the University of California, Merced in the fall.
She holds a special place in my heart because I witnessed tremendous growth in her both personally and academically. At the end of the year, when I said goodbye, she shared something that truly touched me: she said Think Together was like her second home, a safe place where “Mrs. Rachelle had everything I ever needed.”
What made it even more special is that she now wants to apply to work for Think Together in the Bay Area this fall. This story stuck with me because it’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
How do you navigate being the only High School Site Program Manager in your region ?
It can be hard being the only one in my region, but I use this as an opportunity to adapt. I pull what I can from shared resources and modify them to fit the high school environment. I’ve also taken the initiative to educate others. I had the opportunity to present an overview of our high school program to my district team. This helped create more awareness and understanding, which I believe is a step in the right direction. I’ve learned that advocating for the unique needs of high school students is an important part of my role, and I try to approach it with both flexibility and a solutions-focused mindset.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending quality time with my family and playing games together. I love to have fun. Whether it’s listening to music, cooking a good meal or working with my hands, I find a lot of joy in building and fixing things. There’s something really satisfying about taking something apart and putting it back together or creating something from scratch. It’s my way of relaxing, being creative and staying active.
