Meet Luisana Medina (she/her), early childhood special education teacher and college team lead at 99th Street Elementary School in Watts. We connected to learn more about her role and her school’s upcoming Career Day, which she is helping to organize.

For Luisana Medina, building a college-going culture begins with believing that every child deserves to see a future full of possibilities. As the daughter of parents who migrated from Mexico and worked hard to support their family, she understands the transformative power of education. Her own journey has strengthened her commitment to helping students envision successful futures. “I want our students to grow up knowing that college and meaningful careers are within their reach,” she expressed.

At 99th Street Elementary, that vision is woven into everyday school life. The school encourages a college-going culture by weaving in conversations through activities such as college kick-off, college wear Mondays, college-themed writing assignments, and Career Day. Each grade level explores different colleges and universities, helping children become familiar with institutions they could one day attend.

In Medina’s preschool classroom, students are introduced to East Los Angeles College. She incorporates career exploration through stories, dramatic play, and conversations about people who serve their communities. Whether children pretend to be doctors, chefs, builders, or teachers, they have opportunities to explore their interests. “At this age, they do not need to choose a career. I want them to stay curious, feel encouraged, and know that we believe in what they can become,” she shared.

These experiences are already taking shape. Medina stated that one moment that stayed with her was when a student shared that “being exposed to Career Day helped her imagine a future in architecture.” The student connected her love of drawing and mathematics to the profession, recognizing how her art class and math lessons at 99th Street could prepare her for that future. Drawing helped her feel calm, while solving math problems challenged and engaged her. For Medina, this work matters because it helps students see the purpose behind their learning and imagine a path forward.

On November 13, Medina and 99th Street staff will host their annual Career Day, where various professionals will share their careers, educational journeys, and the experiences that shaped their paths with elementary students. “I hope students discover something that sparks their curiosity. I also want them to understand that people take different paths, face challenges, and continue learning as they pursue their goals,” she said.

Making these experiences meaningful requires a community effort. Through the school’s college cadre, teachers across grade levels collaborate on activities suited to their students. Families and community partners also contribute their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, helping children recognize the talents and possibilities within their own communities.

Medina is grateful for former and current staff at 99th Street and Partnership for Los Angeles Schools for their encouragement in leading and creating opportunities for students to explore college and career pathways from an early age.

Ultimately, she hopes every student leaves elementary school with the confidence to pursue their dreams, and that one day a former student will look back on their time on campus and say this was where they first began to imagine what they could become. “Together, we can give students more opportunities to explore their interests and meet people who help them imagine what is possible,” she added.