Becky Molina, an alum of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona, never imagined her college career would include studying abroad, spending summers in different states, and driving a pickup truck to an internship at a major tech company.
Becky interned at World Wide Technology as a Materials Management Intern, a position she secured through the Boys Hope Girls Hope Network. With the help of the St. Louis affiliate, she found a place to live and borrowed a pickup truck from Brian Hipp, Vice President of Mission Effectiveness at Network Headquarters, to commute to work.
Becky grew up in a mobile home community in an impoverished area of Phoenix with her three siblings and parents, who worked hard to protect their children from the realities of their socio-economic struggles. Despite their limited resources, Becky never felt deprived.
“My parents did their utmost to give us everything that they could even though we had very limited resources,” Becky said. “They were always very supportive, and still are.”
Her parents, Juan and Sandra, immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in the early 2000s in search of a better life. They instilled in their children pride in their Mexican heritage and the importance of education, as neither parent had attended college.
“My mom graduated from high school. My dad didn’t,” Becky said. “Not only did my parents teach us the value of education, but they also showed us. My dad, instead of just being OK with it, went and got his GED in Arizona in his 30s.”
Spanish was spoken at home, so Becky began learning English in school at age five. Studying came naturally to her, especially math.
“I was so good at the multiplication tables! Those were my favorites when I was little,” Becky said with a laugh.
Her academic abilities caught the attention of her teachers. In fifth grade, her English teacher recommended her for Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona. After attending an informational session with her mother, Becky learned about the program’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through high-quality education and life-changing opportunities.
“That info session really opened my eyes to what this opportunity could be. I learned that it’s not just a scholarship – it’s a commitment,” Becky said.
Becky Molina takes a selfie with Joe Koenig, President of World Wide Technology, on the last day of her internship there. Koenig has been a long-time supporter of Boys Hope Girls Hope and previously served as Board Chair for the organization.
“My parents were super on board because they knew what this opportunity meant for me. And also, not just for me – they knew what this would mean for my siblings as well. That’s one of my biggest goals, to show my siblings that they can do it too.”
After a series of tests, interviews, and home visits, Becky was accepted into the Academy program at Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona at age 10. Transitioning from her under-resourced public school to a private Catholic middle school was a disorienting experience.
“I was introduced to this whole new culture. I didn’t know anything. Students had to pay tuition, everyone had nice cars, and there was a uniform,” Becky said. “It was a very different way of life.”
Despite the drastic change, Becky’s parents encouraged her to embrace the opportunity. Boys Hope Girls Hope provided the necessary support, including academic assistance and a community of fellow scholars on the same path.
“My parents were super on board because they knew what this opportunity meant for me. And also, not just for me – they knew what this would mean for my siblings as well,” Becky said. “That’s one of my biggest goals, to show my siblings that they can do it too.”
At Xavier College Preparatory School, Becky thrived academically, which led her to apply for multiple scholarships. She was awarded the Dorrance Scholarship, which provides $12,000 a year for four years to first-generation college students in Arizona. Becky accepted the scholarship and enrolled at Arizona State University, which is a partner school of Boys Hope Girls Hope.
Becky Molina with Snickers, resident therapy dog at Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis. Becky stayed at the Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis campus over the summer while working her internship at World Wide Technology.
Martin Totland
Martin Totland is the Communication and Media Coordinator at Boys Hope Girls Hope Network Headquarters.
The Dorrance program also offered the opportunity to study abroad. Becky spent a semester of her sophomore year in Italy, Spain, and France, which inspired her to change her major from psychology to finance, with a minor in real estate, and a certificate in international business studies.
World Wide Technology has been a strong supporter of Boys Hope Girls Hope for 13 years, providing opportunities to scholars like Becky. President of the company, Joe Koenig recently served as board chair for six years and was instrumental in building the relationship. As a Materials Management Intern, Becky worked on supply chain data, gaining critical experience in the corporate sector.
“This was my first internship ever. It was great exposure to the corporate world, and I think it is going to make it very easy to transition when I eventually graduate,” Becky said.
Next for Becky is an internship at a real estate financial firm in Phoenix, which she secured through a Boys Hope Girls Hope Network Board member.
Becky’s main takeaway from her time in Boys Hope Girls Hope is the importance of utilizing available resources. Her advice to young people in the program: “Use their resources! Stay in touch and take advantage of the opportunities Boys Hope Girls Hope offers.”
“If it weren’t for me keeping in touch I wouldn’t even be here, interning for World Wide Technology. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to study abroad. It’s so worth it to stay in touch to have those resources in your back pocket. Don’t be afraid to ask!”