When Miguel first heard about the YES Program in high school, it was simply one of the classes being offered—something a lot of people were signing up for. He figured it might be useful, so he joined. At the time, his dream was to go into law—he envisioned himself in a career that would uphold a professional code of ethics and make a meaningful impact. What he didn’t expect was how much the YES Program would shape his thinking and prepare him for the real world.
One of the biggest turning points for Miguel in the program was participating in the mock interviews. “It was the first time I ever felt like I was really interviewing,” he reflected. The experience forced him to think deeply about who he was and what he truly wanted in life. Even though he can’t remember which company conducted his mock interview, the pressure he felt was unforgettable—and empowering. It gave him confidence and a sense of what to expect in the real world.
Another memorable moment was a sleep assessment the program offered. “It really opened my eyes,” Miguel said. “It helped me realize what I need to be at my best—both mentally and physically—to do a job well.” These small experiences, layered together, helped shape a mindset of self-awareness and resilience. While there wasn’t one singular aha moment that changed his direction, Miguel said the program laid the groundwork. It gave him the foundation and confidence to aim higher, even if he wasn’t entirely sure where he was heading at the time.
After high school, Miguel started working at Turkey Hill in Port Carbon. But he knew he wanted more. When a friend started working at Hydro, Miguel was intrigued. His dad warned him it would be hard—maybe too hard. But Miguel didn’t let that stop him. He applied, got hired as an Operator B in the prep department, and never looked back. Over time, he moved up to Processor A, then became a mentor, and is now proudly serving as a department supervisor.
What kept him going? “I’ve always needed to challenge myself,” Miguel said. “Helping others and being involved with people really drives me.” His natural leadership style began to emerge—and the people around him played a big role in that growth. “The crew I worked with had the same mindset about production and safety. That helped me grow. And Ron Schaffer—he was my department manager in Prep—he really guided me. He was open and honest, and that helped me settle into who I wanted to become.”
Early in his career, Miguel focused mostly on production numbers. But experience—and leadership—taught him otherwise. “Now, I know that being a good leader means caring. You have to care about the people, their safety, the equipment—everything. You need to lead with respect.”
Looking back, Miguel credits the YES Program with giving him the building blocks he needed: “It gave me the confidence to challenge myself and helped me understand what’s needed to succeed in a professional setting.” To today’s YES students who might feel unsure about their future, Miguel has this advice: “Challenge yourself. Everything you do is an opportunity to grow and learn something new.”
He believes programs like YES matter deeply for young people. “It gives you skills—or at least the start of the skills—you’ll need to grow. It opens your eyes to the possibilities and what it takes to succeed and live independently.”
Now, as a supervisor at Hydro, Miguel finds meaning in mentoring others, especially those who are still trying to figure out their own paths. “During the mentor program, I always tried to remind people: It’s okay to pivot. You might not end up doing what you thought you’d be doing in high school—and that’s okay. Embrace new opportunities. I’ve had so many chances to grow here. I’m a better leader, a better friend, and a better person because of what I’ve learned at Hydro. This job turned into so much more than just a job.”
If he could go back and talk to his high school self, Miguel knows exactly what he’d say. “I struggled with depression back then. I’d tell myself: Your end goal doesn’t define you. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect—there’s no such thing. Embrace the journey and trust yourself to grow.”