Serving the Community with the Lupe Family

Izzi Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Moana Lupe shares the interview with her oldest child and former Izzi 2003-04 graduate Jeremiah Lupe as they look back on his Head Start preschool memories and discuss what it means to serve the community. Jeremiah recently graduated from the police academy to become an officer for the Turlock Police Department. Responses have been edited here for clarity.

Moana: When and where did you attend Head Start?

Jeremiah: I think I was 4 or 5 years old. I went to the one in South San Francisco by Baden High.

Moana: Yea, he attended our South San Francisco Head Start in 2003-04. Do you remember some of your teachers?

Jeremiah: No, I don’t remember them. I have bad memory. (Laughs.)

Jeremiah Lupe (front row far left) pictured here with his South San Francisco Head Start classmates 2003-04.

Moana: Well, do you remember Teacher Susan?

Jeremiah: Yea, I remember. (Smiles.)

Moana: Teacher Susan was his main teacher in preschool. Many of his teachers moved away, but there’s still a few of them still here with the Izzi family, such as Teacher Tobi and Teacher John. Teacher Herenia, but she retired. Teacher Maria Hernandez. I remember being served by Teacher Lilia. Teacher Sasha. Teacher Rita Moran. These were all the teachers that served us as a family when Jeremiah was in Head Start.

Moana: What do you remember about preschool?

Jeremiah: I know I went to preschool with some people that I still know now. Some people I went to preschool with went through most of my K-12 too, because we’re all from the same local area. From preschool, I remember trying to write my name in the boxes and learning how to do my letters. I remember painting, building blocks, and getting familiar with computer tech. They had the big ole computer boxes back then. I remember playing with this Franklin the turtle game and Arthur too and just getting familiar with technology.

Moana: What are some favorite memories about preschool?

Jeremiah: There was this map carpet, and I used to play with the railroads and build things.

Moana: What did you want to grow up to be at that age?

Jeremiah: I’m not too sure what I was thinking at that age. (Smiles.) I remember watching the cartoon Rescue Heroes, so maybe that had an influence on my career now! Rescue Heroes is a show about first responders and emergency personnel. There’s this Avengers-like jet, and they would help out the community. That might have had an influence on the career choice that I chose right now.

Moana: What is your goal after the police academy?

Jeremiah: Now, I’m officially a police officer with the city of Turlock. My short-term goal for the department is to learn how to do my job and do it well. Long-term goal is to work with gang and drug units. That’s my five year plan while I’m there.

Moana: What does it mean to you that some of your teachers (your mom included!) have been serving the same community for so many years?

Jeremiah: I think it’s great that they have. You get tied to a community, which is one of the reasons why I chose my career so I can stay in the community. I would’ve liked to stay home, but things changed. I’m enjoying the community I’m in right now, and I plan on staying here just like they [my former teachers] have. You get to build connections with people–like myself starting at a young age and see them grow into an adult and see the progress. It helps to build trust and community.

Moana: What would you say to little preschool Jeremiah if you saw him right now?

Jeremiah: I’d tell him to keep doing what he’s doing. He’s doing a good job! (Laughs) Stay in school and stay focused. I’m not sure how much little Jeremiah is going to pick-up. Didn’t do too bad so far. (Smiles)

Moana: Anything you would like to add?

Jeremiah: Yea, I think preschool was really advantageous to me. Going forward into my actual schooling, I had an edge compared to a lot of the other kids who didn’t go to preschool. I noticed it in my report cards. I always scored well above average in how I was doing. It was pretty easy for me to grasp learning, and I think a lot has to do with early education. So, I’m appreciative of going to preschool. When I have little ones, I plan to put them in preschool as well.

Moana: Anything you would like to say to your mom? (Smiles)

Jeremiah: Oh yea, I want to say thank you to my mother here. (Moana chuckles.) I love her. She’s a big reason that I’m able to do the things I do. She helps to provide opportunities for me. I would not be able to do half the things without the love and support from my family. I’m thankful.

Moana: Awww...love you too son.