MatchBridge Intern Priscilla Abaurrea
United Way’s Matchridge encourages businesses to open their doors and work with young people to enjoy the benefits they can bring to a workplace and to invest in the workforce of tomorrow. Since its inception, MatchBridge has taken every opportunity possible to offer paid internship opportunities to youth in the community including within their own organization.
By working with the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), MatchBridge got a qualified and motivated candidate at no cost to the program. A life-long local, Priscilla Abaurrea was born and raised in the heart of San Francisco. When her counselor referred her to MYEEP, she figured it would be an excellent chance to get some entry-level, job experience.
“I really felt like I needed more office experience. Not only that, but I wanted to better understand what it was like to build relationships with people on a professional level,” said Priscilla. Priscilla plans on continuing her education to ultimately become an ultrasound technician someday.
“Several members of my family are in the medical field, so I’ve gotten a lot of exposure and inspiration from them. But I’m not very good with the sight of blood and other things like that, that I might encounter on the job. Then one time, I was examined for a pain in my side and was told I needed an ultra-sound to diagnose the problem. I spoke with the technician who was working on me and it sounded like a perfect fit.”
This is just another example of how United works with partners from across all sectors to help prepare the next generation for success. As an intern Priscilla’s duties will include general office duties, and assisting Mayela Gutknecht who runs Youth Services.
