At CAPS, our staff are an essential part of our mission to support children and families. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Diana Cortes, a Junior at Concord High School and one of our incredible front desk apprentices. Diana’s passion for helping others and her commitment to growth have made her a shining presence at CAPS. Here’s her story, in her own words.
Finding Her Path
“My name is Diana Cortes, and I’m currently a Junior at Concord High School. After graduation, I plan to attend college and study to become an elementary school teacher, with a focus on helping kids who are learning English,” Diana shares.
She first connected with CAPS through a CareerWise presentation at her school. Just a week before starting her Junior year, she received a call about an apprenticeship opportunity as the front receptionist at CAPS. “I thought about it, and I really liked the idea of being able to help and greet people at the front desk.”
Although Diana didn’t have a personal connection to CAPS before joining the team, she lived nearby and often wondered what the organization was all about. Now, she’s a vital part of the community she once observed from a distance.
A Day in the Life
Diana’s days are busy but rewarding.
From Monday to Thursday, she attends school in the morning and heads to CAPS by 12:30 PM, staying until 4:30 PM. Fridays are a bit different, with a slightly later start at CAPS.
One of her most meaningful memories at CAPS came during the Christmas season. “Families would come in with gifts for others or donations,” Diana recalls. “It was really special to see the generosity of our community.”
Diana has also learned that CAPS is a place where help is always available. “There’s always someone here to help you out and give you resources for the things you might be in need of,” she says.
Learning Through Challenges
Throughout her apprenticeship, Diana has discovered the importance of resilience — in herself and in others.
“What has helped me is realizing every day could be different, with different tasks and obstacles,” she reflects. “Knowing that others can also work hard to get over the hard parts of their days has been really inspiring.”
Like any role in advocacy and community care, there are challenges. Diana shares that learning to stay calm during difficult phone calls or when people are upset was initially a struggle. However, with the guidance and support of her mentor, Shari Sandberg, she learned to navigate these tough moments with confidence.
“There were times when I doubted myself, especially in the beginning. I wasn’t sure I would ever learn how to do everything. But I reminded myself that if I wanted to be here, I had to learn and not give up.”
Looking to the Future
Diana’s time at CAPS has had a profound impact on her future goals.
“At the start of my Junior year, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. But helping people here made me realize that it brings me joy. Now I know I want to help kids who are learning new languages.”
Her advice to future apprentices? “Every day is going to be different. You won’t know how people are or how their day is going. Always be positive and ready to help them out.”
And the impact Diana hopes to leave behind? “I want people to feel confident within themselves and know that me and others will always be there for support.”
Thank you, Diana, for your heart, your hard work, and for inspiring all of us with your journey. We’re so lucky to have you as part of the CAPS family!
