Merced College graduate wants to pursue career in social work after experience as foster youth

For 21-year-old Merced College graduate Jesús Chávez, his experience as a foster youth and the NextUp program has influenced his educational journey as he works toward his career goal as a social worker, helping those who find themselves in the same position he was once in.

Chávez, who was born in Los Angeles, was young when his parents were deported to México. That resulted in him and his older brother entering the foster system. Chávez and his brother were placed in multiple homes before eventually being placed with their aunt, who assumed custody of the brothers in Visalia.

During high school, Chávez developed an interest in psychology as well as law participating in the law and justice academy for four years. While at Merced College, Chávez said he knew he wanted to study areas that involved law, psychology and social work, careers that help people.

According to Chávez, his experience in the foster system is directly connected to his desire to become a social worker and help others.

“I feel like that’s the reason why I want to become a social worker for that same reason to help others out or maybe those who are going through what I went through,” said Chávez.

Chávez believes he is the first in his immediate family to attend and graduate college.

“It’s a proud moment – it’s a little overwhelming in a way,” said Chávez. “But I’m proud of myself that I made it this far.”

Chávez remains in contact with his parents in México, calling them his biggest supporters.

“They actually encouraged me to continue, I wasn’t going to continue college, they encouraged me to continue college and do it for the better. That it was going to get me far in life and that’s exactly what I did,” said Chávez.

Chávez graduated from Merced College in the fall of 2023 with associate degrees in Social and Behavioral Science, Psychology, and Arts. He walked during the school’s May 24 commencement ceremony.

A psychology major at Fresno State, Chávez recently completed his first semester of classes and said the overall experience was a positive one as there is a lot to learn and take in at the university.

Chávez said it was a very traumatizing and lonely experience when his parents were deported while he was a young child.

“That’s kind of the same reason why I would like to work in the field of social work. I wouldn’t want any kid or anyone to go through what I went through,” said Chávez.

During his time at Merced College Chávez was involved with the NextUp organization, which serves to support current and former foster youth. One of the ways Chávez said he helped out was by photographing NextUp graduates.

According to Chávez, the program was extremely helpful in helping him navigate the campus and assist him with any needs that arose.

According to NextUp student support coordinator Kiah Brock, Chávez stated as a student worker with the program and was with the program for about two years. Brock said Chávez became a crucial part of the center which works to assist current and former foster youth after the age of 13 navigate college by offering various services including counseling, workshops, educational supplies and meal plans.

“We really try to be as much support as we can in any way we can,” said Brock.

Chávez worked with the organization in a customer service role and became a crucial part of the center. Brock said it was hard to let him go and that he still remains active in NextUp and the organization’s mission to help foster youth. During his time with NextUp, Chávez mentored about 40 different NextUp students, according to Brock.

“Of all the student workers I’ve ever had, when someone walked in that door – that was his best friend,” said Brock. “He had the best customer service, he made everyone feel at home and I feel like that’s really where he blossomed – was making sure that everyone knew that they were cared for and supported and welcome the second that door opened.”

“He has amazing customer service, he has a heart of gold. He’s on his way to becoming a social worker and you can tell that’s really his passion is working with foster youth and helping not only himself overcome those obstacles, but helping the future overcome those obstacles and really changing the statistics that are against foster youth,” said Brock.

When not in class, Chávez works for a company delivering medications to elderly at nursing homes and residences and even started his own small business. He sells fresh-cut flowers as well as flowers made of ribbon, referred to as maternal flowers.

“My trauma, my past is making me want to help others out, look out for people just helping people out,” said Chávez.

Ojo: Latino students account for 65.1% of the enrollment at Merced College, according to DataUSA.

This story was originally published June 6, 2024 at 6:00 AM.