Staff Blog: Joshua Santos

Full Name: Joshua Santos
Year at UCLA: 2nd year
Major: Biology
SPACE Site: Marshall High School
Position in SPACE: 1st year Peer Tutor

I first became involved in SPACE through the Samahang Teaching through Experience Program, a.k.a. STEP internship, during Spring quarter of my first year; this was when I volunteered at the end of the year SPACE conference at UCLA. There I saw students facilitating workshops and speaking with the confidence I know didn’t have at the time and it was truly inspiring.

(Josh and a student at SPACE’s Fall quarter (2010) field trip at CSU LA)

I had an idea of where these students were coming from and the struggles they may be facing to access higher education. I started feeling a strong connection with SPACE once I began to realize that SPACE was much more than just community service and tutoring kids.

I have gained so much from being in SPACE and only half the year has gone by. Ever since summer training, I’ve learned so much about myself, my culture, and the background of others—and I continue to learn more each week with my students and fellow staff members.

Although I can still get very shy, I’ve become much more confident when it comes to public speaking.

(Josh facilitating at SPACE staff Winter retreat with other staff members)

SPACE continues to challenge me to step out of my comfort zone and speak up and advocate for myself and others. I have also developed my skills through working with students in terms of being a better listener, thinker, and speaker.

 When I first applied to SPACE, I had no idea how to connect it to my long term goal to be a doctor. I was hesitant to apply because I felt I should be getting more involved in the medical field like everyone else who is pre-med. But through the work we do with students and with each other, I can honestly say I am not regretting my decision one bit. I’ve become more passionate about becoming a doctor because through SPACE, I was able to get a better sense of direction with what I want to do and what I ultimately want. I can now connect the work I do in SPACE with my long term goal in so many different ways.

However, the connection with SPACE and one’s goal is not something that can be told, it’s a connection that can only be made through experience.