About this post
Jessire Tirado came to 5 Buckets through the Corporate Work Study program at ICA Cristo Rey Academy in San Francisco, which places high school students in workplaces across the city. She interned with our team for two years, and in May 2026 she nominated Leah Kennedy and Pei-Ling Lee for the Spartan Supervisor Award. These are her words as she heads into her senior year.
My time at the 5 Buckets Foundation has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my high school journey. Through the ICA Cristo Rey Academy Corporate Work Study program, I was given the opportunity to work in a professional environment where I could learn new skills, contribute to the team, and grow alongside people who truly supported me.
Starting Out as a Sophomore
When I first joined 5 Buckets as a sophomore, I was excited but also nervous about stepping into a new workplace. Working in an office in downtown San Francisco felt like a big change. I was meeting a new team, learning how to communicate in a professional setting, and figuring out what it meant to be an intern. Looking back, those first few months helped me build the confidence and independence I have today.
Thankfully, the 5 Buckets team never expected me to have everything figured out. From the beginning, they were patient and supportive. They answered my questions, taught me new tasks, and helped me understand not only what I was doing, but why it mattered. They introduced me to 5 Buckets’ mission and showed me the thought and care that goes into every workshop, newsletter, social media post, and partnership. They created a space where I felt comfortable learning, asking questions, making mistakes, and improving.
The Work Behind the Work
Over the past two years, I have been able to contribute in many different ways. I’ve helped write newsletters, create social media content, prepare outreach emails, research community partners, and create educational resources for financial wellness workshops. Each project helped me build new skills and showed me how important every part of the work is, even the things happening behind the scenes.
More Than Coworkers
Beyond the work itself, the relationships I built are what made this experience so special. Over time, the 5 Buckets team became more than just my coworkers — they became mentors, role models, and friends. They celebrated my accomplishments, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and supported me throughout my growth. Some of my favorite memories came from the small moments in between the work, like coffee walks, stretch breaks, conversations throughout the day, and the moments that made the office feel like a welcoming place.
I also had the unique opportunity to watch 5 Buckets grow alongside me. Over the past two years, I’ve seen the organization develop new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and continue expanding its impact through financial wellness education. It has been inspiring to contribute to an organization that continues to grow while staying connected to its mission.
What I’m Carrying With Me
As I prepare for my senior year and begin a new internship placement, I’m excited for the opportunity to continue learning, adapting, and developing new skills. While this transition is bittersweet, I know the lessons and relationships I gained at 5 Buckets will stay with me.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the path that brought me to 5 Buckets. Through the ICA Cristo Rey Academy Corporate Work Study program, I was given an opportunity that became so much more than a work placement. I gained confidence, built lasting relationships, and learned what it means to contribute to work that makes a difference.
I’m excited to carry these lessons into whatever comes next, and I will always look back on my time at 5 Buckets as an experience that helped me grow. Thank you to the 5 Buckets team for your support, encouragement, and for giving me the opportunity to be part of something meaningful.
“I gained confidence, built lasting relationships, and learned what it means to contribute to work that makes a difference.”
— Jessire Tirado
From all of us at 5 Buckets
Thank you, Jessire!
Two years of newsletters, research, social media, outreach, and workshop resources. Wherever senior year takes you, we will be cheering you on. Check out our socials for more intern content.
