Distinguished Alumnus Ricky Gonzalez '17 Inspires 10th-Grade Students in Engaging Alumni Speaker Series

Distinguished alumnus Ricky Gonzalez '17 recently visited our 10th-grade students, reflecting on his senior year at Drew. Ricky's journey included interning at Larkin Street Youth Services and securing a pivotal internship with Congressman Pete Aguilar, paving the way for his subsequent role in Senator Dianne Feinstein's office. His experiences extended to the transition team for Senator Butler, offering valuable insights into the political landscape and nuances of public service.

This engaging session was part of our Alumni Speaker Series, a collaborative initiative by The Drew Alumni Relations Program and the Social Studies Department. During the discussion, Ricky delved into his experiences working on Capitol Hill, offering a firsthand account of his experience as an intern in supporting prominent elected officials. During his discussion with the 10th-grade students, Ricky highlighted the benefits of volunteering and civic engagement during high school. 

He emphasized that such involvement goes beyond college admission, fostering personal growth and active participation in American democracy. Ricky's visit was not only informative but also inspiring. He demonstrated how a Drew education can lead to exciting opportunities and how students can make a meaningful impact on the political stage as public servants or merely active participants within the scope of American democracy. 

Ricky's advice to Drew students studying government? "Elected officials are public servants here to work for our communities. If you are passionate about something, such as housing, criminal justice reform, or infrastructure, reach out to elected officials and advocate for change.” -Ricky Gonzalez ‘17

Special thank you to Drew School Veteran teacher Lara Greene for her ongoing work to support the building of a thriving Alumni Speaker Series and to our Social Studies Teachers who incorporated this visit into real-world examples in their coursework. The event's success was made possible through their dedication and collaborative efforts.

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