Growing Up Between Two Cultures 

My name is Jenny Martinez, and although I was born in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, I consider San Francisco my home. I came to the United States when I was about one year old. My father had already moved here, and shortly afterward my mother brought me to join him. Since then, I have spent virtually my entire life in San Francisco and the surrounding area. I grew up in the Tenderloin, surrounded by family, community, and experiences that helped shape the person I am today. 

I am the oldest of five children, with one brother and three sisters. Being the oldest has always been an important part of who I am. In a large family, there is often a lot of responsibility, and from a very young age I learned what it meant to help take care of others. Family has always been one of the most important things in my life. We are very close, and I honestly cannot imagine where I would be without my siblings, my mother, and the support system we have built together over the years. 

My Education and Early Years 

I attended Tenderloin Community School from kindergarten through fifth grade, then KIPP San Francisco Academy for middle school, and later Wallenberg High School. Looking back, I had a positive experience in school. I especially appreciated attending a smaller high school because it felt more personal and manageable. I was able to build relationships with teachers and classmates without feeling lost in a huge environment. 

One of the most significant influences during my childhood was GLIDE’s Family, Youth & Childcare Center (FYCC). My parents enrolled me when I was around five years old, and I remained involved throughout my childhood. Some of my happiest memories come from my time there. I remember the field trips, the after-school activities, the teachers, and the staff members who genuinely cared about the children they served. They weren’t just supervisors. They were mentors and role models. 

Learning, Growing, and Finding Confidence 

One of the things I appreciate most when I look back is how much support I received academically. Math was never my strongest subject, and I often struggled with homework. I remember staff members encouraging me to stay after school for tutoring even when I didn’t really want to. At the time I probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have, but today I realized how valuable that support was. I still remember specific lessons and techniques that teachers used to help me understand multiplication years later. That kind of impact stays with a person. 

As a child of immigrant parents, language was another challenge that shaped my experience. At home, we primarily spoke Spanish. Most of my exposure to English came through school and GLIDE. Because I spent so much of my day immersed in English, I eventually became more comfortable speaking English than Spanish. Today, I am bilingual, and I feel grateful for that. Being able to navigate both languages has connected me to my family, my culture, and my community. 

An Unexpected Turn Into Motherhood 

Years later, after graduating from high school, my life took a major turn when I became pregnant with my son, Damian. The pregnancy was unexpected, and I was only nineteen years old when I found out. Like many young women in that situation, I was scared. I wasn’t sure how my family would react, and I worried about how my future might change. 

What I quickly learned, however, was just how strong my support system really was. My mother became one of my greatest sources of strength during that time. When I told her I was pregnant, I expected disappointment or anger. Instead, she responded with love and support. I remember crying because I was afraid, and by the end of the conversation, I was crying because I felt relieved. Knowing that I wasn’t alone made all the difference. 

The Importance of Family Support 

Becoming a mother changed me in ways I never expected. Damien was born in 2022, and from the moment he arrived, my priorities shifted. Thankfully, I had experience caring for children because I had spent so much time helping raise my younger siblings. As the oldest child, I often helped with feeding, changing diapers, bottle preparation, and general childcare. In many ways, I had already developed parenting skills long before I became a mother myself. 

Even with that preparation, raising your own child is different. When you’re helping with a sibling, there is always someone else who takes over. When it’s your own child, the responsibility belongs to you. That realization was both challenging and empowering. It taught me resilience, patience, and a deeper understanding of unconditional love. 

Returning to GLIDE as a Parent 

One of the biggest blessings in my parenting journey has been reconnecting with GLIDE through Damien. Because of my own experience as a child, I always knew that if I had children, I would want them to be part of FYCC. When Damien became eligible for childcare, I applied immediately. Fortunately, he was accepted into the program. 

The impact that decision had on my life cannot be overstated. Knowing that my son was in a safe, nurturing environment allowed me to work and focus on other responsibilities without constantly worrying about his well-being. I trusted the staff because I knew firsthand what kind of care they provide. The program that helped shape my childhood was now helping shape my son’s childhood. 

Watching My Son Thrive 

Today, when I watched Damien learn and grow, I saw many of the same opportunities that I was given. He is learning numbers, letters, language, and social skills. He is becoming bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and it’s incredible to see him naturally move between the two languages. He reminds me every day of how important early childhood education can be. 

I also appreciate the ways that FYCC supports families beyond education. Programs that provide necessities like diapers and other resources have been incredibly important, especially as I prepare to welcome my daughter, Danalise. As a growing family, every bit of support matters. These programs reduce financial stress and allow parents to focus more on raising healthy, happy children. 

A Community That Understands Children 

Another thing that stands out to me is the culture at FYCC. The staff are patient, understanding, and compassionate. I’ve seen firsthand how they work with children who may have behavioral, developmental, or learning challenges. Rather than giving up on children, they invest time and energy into helping them succeed. That approach makes a tremendous difference for families. 

Safety is another area where I feel confident. The center takes safety seriously, from its facilities and supervision practices to its communication with parents. As a mother, there is nothing more important than knowing your child is being cared for in a secure environment. 

Lessons Learned Through Parenthood 

Today, I live in Daly City with my family. Until recently, I worked in office administration and organization. As my pregnancy progressed, I stepped away from work to prepare for the arrival of my daughter. Motherhood is currently my primary focus, and I am excited to welcome another child into my family. 

Being a parent has taught me that no one is ever completely prepared. Some days are difficult, and there are moments of uncertainty. But there are also moments that make everything worthwhile. When my son notices that I am having a hard day and tells me I am beautiful or asks if I am okay, it reminds me why being a parent is such a meaningful experience. Those small moments carry enormous value. 

If I could offer advice to other young parents, it would not be to focus on regret or fear. There will always be challenges, but there is something incredibly special about watching a child grow and knowing that they look up to you. The love between a parent and child is unlike anything else. 

A Multi-Generational GLIDE Family 

One thing that makes me especially proud is that my connection to GLIDE spans generations. I attended the program as a child. My siblings attended after me. My son attends now. My youngest sister recently graduated from the preschool program and moved on to kindergarten. We are truly a GLIDE family. 

That continuity says something important about the organization and its impact. Families don’t keep returning generation after generation unless they trust the people, the environment, and the mission.   For me and my family, GLIDE has been more than just a place for my children to thrive. It is a place where they can get the support and nurturing they need from a larger community.  

Looking Toward the Future 

If someone asked me what GLIDE has meant to my life, I would say it has been present during some of the most important stages of my journey. It helped me learn English, succeed in school, make memories, and feel supported as a child. Years later, it helped me become a confident parent by providing care, resources, and opportunities for my own son. The lessons, relationships, and experiences I gained there have stayed with me throughout my life. 

Most importantly, GLIDE has shown me what community looks like. It is a place where families support one another, where children are encouraged to grow, and where people are treated with patience, understanding, and respect. As I prepare to welcome my daughter into the world and continue raising my son, I am grateful to know that my family remains connected to a community that has given us so much over the years. 

GLIDE has been part of my story for nearly my entire life, and I hope it will continue to be part of my family’s story for many years to come.