BY: BRANDON CONDA STORYTELLING INTERN
When Jessie James Olesco first heard about the Words Alive internship through his high school’s workforce class, he saw it as a chance worth taking. Having been introduced to Words Alive through the Read Aloud Program in elementary school, Jessie recognized the powerful impact the organization had on underserved communities by fostering a love for reading.
“When I saw Words Alive, something clicked. I remember they used to send boxes to my elementary school. I didn’t know a lot about it, but I thought—why not give it a shot?”
A familiar name combined with a leap of faith transformed into an experience that defined his senior year and altered his life perspective. As an 18-year-old student in his senior year of high school, Jessie received the 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year recognition due to his dedication and growth which resulted in significant impact.
In the beginning, Jessie was nervous. “I thought I’d get fired,” he says with a laugh. “I kept apologizing whenever I made a mistake.” But instead of judgment, he was met with patience and encouragement. “Alex, my supervisor, told me something I’ll never forget—‘Don’t apologize if you didn’t know.’ That hit me hard. It reminded me that this is a learning experience, and it’s okay to make mistakes. That really stuck with me.”
Words Alive allowed Jessie to discover his ability to perform tasks such as data entry and inventory tracking while mastering Microsoft Excel programs. The essential lesson Jessie gained was mastering professional navigation and effective communication to become a reliable team member and leader among his colleagues.
“I wasn’t just volunteering—I was part of a team,” Jessie says. “It gave me confidence and helped me build a better version of myself.”
Beyond the technical skills, Jessie found deeper meaning in the work. “It’s about giving back to the community,” he says. “I was once one of those kids we’re helping—kids who just need a little inspiration to love reading, to be creative, to feel seen. That’s what motivates me now.”
His future goals became more defined thanks to this experience. Jessie intends to serve in the Air Force during his time at UC San Diego, which will help him develop both personal and professional skills. “My participation in Words Alive taught me that this experience enhances your employability,” Jessie remarks. “It sets you apart.”
He also credits part of his growth to the fellow students he shared the journey with. “Having friends like John and Jordan with me made a big difference. We leaned on each other, and learned from each other—it made it way less intimidating. If you’re thinking about volunteering or doing an internship like this, go for it—and do it with people you trust if you can. It makes it more meaningful.”
Jessie gives young people who are unsure about taking on new challenges straightforward advice: “Commit.” Expect to mess up. That’s part of it. When you show up with an open mindset, you will learn extensively about both your work and self-discovery.”
To Jessie, volunteering meant much more than just occupying his time. It was a turning point. At Words Alive, he discovered growth along with purpose and confidence. which will guide him during his nextphase at UCSD and beyond.