Instead of a typical spring break, ten first-generation students from Kalamazoo College packed their bags for New York City as part of the K to NYC Trek, led by CCPD Assistant Director Alejandro Alaniz. Over five days, students shadowed alumni in workplaces ranging from finance and nonprofit work to media and theater. The goal? To give them a real-world glimpse into different careers while connecting with alumni who’ve walked a similar path.
“Meeting alumni who shared my background and had taken nontraditional paths reminded me that my journey doesn’t need to be linear,” said Jay Hernandez ’28. “There are so many ways to be successful, and I feel more confident now that I’ll find a path that works for me.”
For Anahi Barajas ’26, the experience led to a surprising shift in perspective. “Talking with Camila Trefftz ’17 made me realize I want to shift my focus from business to nonprofit work,” she said after shadowing at the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. “Her advice helped me see new possibilities for my future.”
Throughout the week, students moved from job shadows to small group coffee chats with alumni working in policy, diversity and inclusion, and community development. “I used to think networking was about being polished and perfect,” said Sarah Guerrero Gorostieta ’28. “But during this trip, I learned that being genuinely curious and asking honest questions can be just as powerful.”
For Ash Rodriguez ’27, the experience was a reminder to dream big. “This experience showed me that being first-gen doesn’t mean I have to play small. I’ve learned that I belong in professional spaces, and I want to take up space.”
The range of career paths showcased on the Trek emphasized that success can look different for everyone, a takeaway that resonated with Jason Morales ’27. “I didn’t know what to expect going into this, but I left with real connections and a better understanding of what I want,” he said. “Now I know that soft skills, and showing up authentically, can be just as important as technical knowledge.”
The Trek also highlighted how career paths don’t always unfold in a straight line. “Shadowing my alum taught me that career paths can be unpredictable, but that’s okay,” said Liuba Silva ’27. “I don’t need to have it all figured out right now. I just need to stay open and keep building relationships.”
By the end of the week, students left New York City with fresh insights, new connections, and a better sense of what might come next. “Our alumni opened their networks, their stories, and their time. That’s what made this Trek so impactful,” said Alaniz, who expressed gratitude for the job shadow hosts, including Amanda Johnson ’17 (Director, Waterfall Asset Management LLC), Kirsten Cieslar ‘04 (Executive Director, FreeWheel), Maya Banks ’21 (Field Trip Coordinator, The New York Public Library), Kate Kreiss ‘19 (Director of Auxiliary Programming, The Churchill School and Center), Kriti Singh ‘17 (Associate, RMI), Tom Beck ‘07 (CRM Platform Manager, AILEY), Carrie Heitman ‘98 (Producing Artist Director, Hook & Eye Theater Company), and Katherine Wegert ‘06 (Corporate Credit Research, Franklin Templeton).
Reflecting on the week, Alaniz said, “The students stepped up, asked great questions, and really leaned into the experience. It’s clear that the connections they made—and the stories they heard—will stick with them as they continue to explore what’s possible after K. I’m already thinking about what’s next; more opportunities for career exploration, more spaces for first-gen students to thrive, and more stories of transformation.”