Part 1: Meet Sofia.
Sofia is a high school junior in Sonoma County. On the outside, she looks like any other student – but inside, she feels directionless. She watches some of her classmates talk about their future plans, and she feels left behind. Sofia wonders every day: What’s next?
She’s the first in her family to dream about college, but the cost feels overwhelming. She’s eager to have a meaningful career but has no idea how to get started. While her friends talk about their dreams to be accepted into universities or work at a local business, Sofia feels caught in the in-between: opportunities feel completely out of reach.
Then one day, Jolene, the Student Success Advisor at CTE Foundation comes to Sofia’s school to share a new opportunity: Path to Purpose. It’s a new internship program that’s meant for EVERY high school junior and senior, just like Sofia. Path to Purpose connects Sonoma County’s Gen Z’ers to local careers in industries like healthcare, engineering, education and more.
For Sofia, the fog begins to lift. She starts to see a future where her classroom learning connects to real careers. “I like my healthcare classes… maybe I can explore a career there!” she thinks to herself. For the first time, “What’s next?” feels like a question she can start to answer.
That night, she pulls out her phone, scans the QR code on the flyer and applies. With that small step, her Path to Purpose begins.
Part 2: Sofia’s Path Begins.
Soon after applying, Sofia gets the email she’s been waiting for: she’s been invited to interview for Path to Purpose. Her hands tremble as she scrolls through the details – she’s about to take her first steps towards earning her very own Spring internship.
But then a wave of nerves hits. What if I’m not ready? What if I don’t fit in? Like so many of her peers, Sofia has never worked in a professional setting before. She wants to do well and still has some uncertainty about her choice.
At the interview, she meets with Jolene, CTE Foundation’s Student Success Advisor who spoke in her classroom, and Chris from Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE).
The three of them sit down together to talk through her schedule, her transportation options and her availability – real-world factors that must be considered for any internship or job. The interviewers also ask Sofia about her classes, her strengths and the things she’s curious about.
That’s when it clicks. Sofia lights up as she talks about her love for animals, her interest in her healthcare and biology classes and her compassion for helping others.
Jolene and Chris help her see how those pieces connect – and how an internship could let her explore them. They mention that there are healthcare opportunities that may be a good fit, but also show Sofia that veterinary science could be a good career path that marries her interests perfectly.
A few weeks later exciting news arrives: Sofia has been matched to an internship at a vet clinic. In the spring, she’ll spend 40 hours shadowing veterinarians, vet techs and community outreach staff.
Sofia will observe surgeries, learn how to check vital signs for animals, help prepare exam rooms and see how every role – from the front desk to the surgical team – plays a part in helping pets and their owners.
Most importantly, she won’t be doing it alone. Her mentor will be there to answer her questions, encourage her when she feels unsure and show her what it means to belong in a professional environment. With every skill learned and every conversation shared, Sofia will gain more than experience – she’ll gain the confidence to see herself in a future she once thought was out of reach.
For the first time, Sofia feels like she’s stepping confidently into her future – a future that is unfolding right in front of her thanks to Path to Purpose.
Thanks to her new internship, Sofia enrolls in Santa Rosa Junior College’s work experience course, the class that will give her credit for her upcoming internship. She shares this with her family and friends, bouncing with excitement. “I’m taking a college course!” she beams, proud to share that she’s earning college credit while still in high school and advancing her future.
Sofia’s biggest milestone is still ahead, but just around the corner: her first day as an intern at the veterinary clinic.
The morning of her first day Sofia looks at her reflection in her mirror. She feels nervous, but more than that, she feels proud. She’s breaking new ground not just for herself, but for her family.
Walking through the veterinary clinic doors, she’s met by the bustling sounds of animal care – barks, meows and the steady hum of activity. Her supervisor, a veterinarian who remembers her own first internship, greets her warmly: “Welcome, Sofia. We’re glad you’re here.”
In that moment, the nerves ease. Sofia belongs.
By the end of her first week, Sofia has accomplished more than she ever thought possible:
- She’s earning her first paycheck.
- She’s earning early college credit at SRJC.
- She’s gained real, hands-on skills, assisting with checkups, helping prep exam rooms, learning about animal care and medical procedures.
- She’s begun to see how every role – from vet techs to front desk staff – works together to keep the clinic running smoothly.
- Most importantly, she feels the impact of her work, knowing she is making a real difference in the lives of the animals and their owners who come through the clinic.
For the first time, Sofia sees herself not just as a student, but as a future professional in Sonoma County.
You may know a high school student just like Sofia: unsure of what comes next and eager for the chance to explore their interests and gain experience in a real-world setting.
This is exactly what Path to Purpose provides. Students across Sonoma County gain hands-on experience with the guidance of professionals, discover their strengths and begin to see the impact they can have, not just in their own lives, but in the lives of their community.
From the moment Sofia walked into our veterinary clinic on her first day, you could feel the energy shift. Everyone on staff recognized her curiosity and felt her enthusiasm and determination to do well in her new role. We remembered what it was like stepping into this world for the first time – and how transformative hands-on experience can be. But we also remembered how few students had access to internships this early.
Through Path to Purpose, we had the chance to change that for Sofia – and in doing so, we saw firsthand how a motivated young person can instantly energize a team and bring fresh perspectives that make us rethink the future of talent in our community.
At first, Sofia was nervous, hesitant to ask questions and unsure of her abilities. She wanted to do well, and still had some uncertainty, as any young person would.
Mentorship is essential. With a welcoming and patient mindset, we supported Sofia’s growth so she could see her potential, rather than her inexperience. And because of that, hosting Sofia didn’t just transform her – it transformed our clinic.
As she grew more confident, Sofia rolled up her sleeves, assisted with exams, prepped rooms, supported our vet techs and even helped make our clients feel more welcomed. Mentoring her reminded our staff why we love what we do. We discovered that an engaged, motivated student doesn’t just learn -they lift your entire team, spark new ideas and bring a burst of energy that keeps everyone inspired.
Over the course of her 40-hour internship, Sofia earned more than college credit and her first paycheck: she developed confidence, learned the value of teamwork and communication skills, and gained clarity about her career path. For us, we gained a motivated, capable team member, strengthened our mentoring culture and saw firsthand the incredible value of investing in Sonoma County’s next generation of professionals.
When young people are given the chance to make a difference right here in Sonoma County, their energy and drive will surprise and inspire you. And by believing in them, we can amplify their impact and strengthen our entire community through our local businesses.
This isn’t just a milestone for Sofia – it’s a turning point for our community. By removing barriers that often prevent businesses from hosting interns, Path to Purpose creates opportunities for students who might otherwise be left behind, and local employers gain motivated young talent.
-Sofia’s Mentor, a proud Path to Purpose: Sonoma County Internship Host
Sofia crosses the stage in her cap and gown, diploma in hand, confident and ready. But unlike so many students walking into an uncertain future, Sofia steps forward holding something more:
- EXPERIENCE – real work she can put on her résumé.
- MOMENTUM – college credit she’s already earned.
- GUIDANCE – a mentor she can call for advice.
- PRIDE – a paycheck that taught her the value of her time and talent.
- And most importantly, she carries PURPOSE – a clear plan for her future in veterinary studies.
This wasn’t luck. It was the result of Path to Purpose – the program that gave Sofia more than an internship. It gave her the chance to see herself in a career, to build confidence in her abilities and to take meaningful steps toward her future – right here in her backyard.
This spring, dozens of students across Sonoma County will begin their own journeys just like Sofia’s – exploring new careers, gaining real-world experience and building confidence in their abilities. Each internship is a pivotal milestone, a moment where curiosity meets opportunity and ambition meets guidance.
But we can’t make these journeys possible without your support!
Your gift today opens doors for students ready to explore, discover and connect their ambitions with opportunity. When you give to CTE Foundation, you’re not just changing one life – you’re investing in the future of our community, ensuring that every young person has the chance to not only have a career but to thrive where they were raised.
Please visit ctesonomacounty.org/donate to make an investment today.
For more information about Path to Purpose or to learn how your business can get involved, visit https://ctesonomacounty.org/investments/pathtopurpose/.
