Carlos’ Journey with FLY

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

When Carlos turned 18, he found himself navigating adulthood alone in a new city. After aging out of his group home in Los Angeles, he relocated to the Bay Area, searching for stability and support. His social worker referred him to the FLY Mentor Program, where he was matched with a mentor who would change the trajectory of his life.

Finding Community and Confidence

Carlos initially struggled to adjust, unsure of where to turn for guidance. His mentor became his biggest ally, introducing him to welcoming spaces where he could connect with others and envision a future he hadn’t considered before. She encouraged him to explore college, eventually sparking his interest in political science—a subject he never imagined studying. Her best piece of advice? Stay focused and never give up on school. Now, Carlos is a student at UC Berkeley, majoring in Law and Public Speaking.

Stepping Out of His Comfort Zone

Public speaking was never something Carlos thought he’d pursue. In fact, when he first joined FLY, he was shy and withdrawn, struggling to make connections. But with support from his mentor and FLY staff, he gained the confidence to express himself.

“The people there were so welcoming and burst that bubble to allow me to feel comfortable and speak and just be me.”

This newfound confidence led him to advocacy work, where he began using his voice for change.

Becoming a Youth Advocate

Carlos joined the Alameda County Youth Advisory Council (YAC), where he became active in legislative advocacy. He recently participated in Voter Registration Workshops and traveled to Sacramento to meet with lawmakers. There, he thanked legislators for passing SB 823, which closed the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and advocated for AB 2417, the Youth Bill of Rights.

Programs like YAC empower young people with lived experience in the justice system to elevate their voices, build agency, and shape policies that affect their futures. For Carlos, this was a pivotal moment in realizing the power of his own voice.

Exploring Creativity and Storytelling

Beyond advocacy, Carlos also discovered a love for photography and digital storytelling. He applied for the FLY Content Creator Fellowship and was accepted into the 2024/2025 cohort. In the fellowship, he’s learning technical skills like A-Roll and B-Roll filming and receiving feedback on his creative work. He enjoys collaborating with other young creators and values the opportunity to tell stories that matter.

Looking Ahead

Carlos dreams of becoming a lawyer and eventually moving to Utah. But for now, he’s focused on staying involved with FLY, continuing his education, and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes his way.

His journey is a powerful example of how mentorship, advocacy, and creativity can transform a young person’s path. And through it all, his FLY family will be cheering him on every step of the way.