Students at Hillcrest High School are gaining inspiration through the Dreaming, Building, Achieving Mentorship Program.
The program was designed to provide students with practical tools, guidance, and motivation to excel in academics, careers, and leadership roles. By connecting students with accomplished professionals, the program seeks to instill confidence, broaden perspectives, and empower participants to pursue their aspirations with determination.
On Dec. 10, the school welcomed two-time Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman as part of an event that brought together students, staff, and special guest Dr. Jaime Gonzalez to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders.
During the program, Lieberman shared stories from her illustrious basketball career, highlighting the challenges she faced and the determination that helped her succeed. She encouraged students to set ambitious goals, embrace perseverance, and “dream big” both on and off the court. Lieberman emphasizes that obstacles are part of the journey, conveying, “There’s no substitute for hard work. If you work hard and prepare yourself, you might get beat, but you’ll never lose.”
Gonzalez, owner and founder of local eye care center Eye Pieces, also addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of goal setting, self-confidence, and cultivating skills that translate into academic and professional success.
Together, Lieberman and Gonzalez illustrated how passion, preparation, and persistence can open doors to opportunities in a wide range of fields, from sports and leadership to entrepreneurship.
Students at the event had the opportunity to ask questions, engage with the speakers, and reflect on their own goals. Many expressed excitement at hearing directly from a Hall of Famer and were inspired by the real-life examples of resilience and hard work shared throughout the session.
Faculty members noted that Lieberman’s visit highlighted the value of mentorship and the impact of role models in shaping young people’s trajectories. By sharing her experiences, she demonstrated how perseverance, discipline, and self-belief can lead to extraordinary achievements, they said.
Author
