A student who wanted more than preparation
When Ricardo first joined Bridges from School to Work as a junior at North Atlanta High School, he was like many students preparing for life after graduation. Motivated, curious, and eager to learn, but still exploring what his future could look like beyond the classroom.
What stood out early was his willingness to engage.
Throughout the school year, Ricardo participated in job readiness training, built foundational workplace skills, and consistently showed up ready to learn. As summer approached, he made it clear that he wanted more than preparation. He wanted real-world experience.
That decision marked the beginning of a transformation.
The transition from school to work can be a major milestone for young adults with disabilities. Job readiness training, real-world work experience and ongoing support can help students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in employment. Ricardo's journey shows what that transition can look like in practice.
Why the Transition From School to Work Matters
The transition from school to work is an important milestone for any young person, but it can present additional challenges for young adults with disabilities. Moving from a structured school environment into the workplace requires more than finding a job. Students need opportunities to develop job readiness skills, gain real-world work experience, build confidence, and learn what employers expect.
Early employment experiences can help make that transition more successful. With the right preparation, job matching, and ongoing support, students can turn what they have learned in the classroom into practical workplace skills while developing greater independence and a clearer sense of their future.
For employers, school-to-work programs also create an opportunity to connect with motivated young people who are prepared to learn and contribute. Ricardo’s journey shows what can happen when preparation, opportunity, and employer partnership come together.
Taking the first step into the workforce
With support from Bridges, Ricardo secured an interview with SodexoMagic at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.
The opportunity itself was significant. The environment was fast-paced, high-volume, and required strong teamwork and reliability.
Ricardo rose to the occasion.
He performed exceptionally well in his interview and was offered the position. From the start, he demonstrated the kind of work ethic that employers value. He showed up consistently, learned quickly, and became a dependable member of the team.
Building consistency and confidence
Over the summer, Ricardo proved himself not just as a new hire, but as a reliable employee. His performance quickly earned the respect of both his coworkers and management.
> "He's a great young man and a welcome addition to our team." > > Keishia Walker, General Manager, SodexoMagic
But what makes Ricardo's story stand out is what came next.
Balancing school, work, and athletics
As the school year resumed, Ricardo made the decision to continue working while finishing his senior year. He maintained his role on weekends while balancing his academic responsibilities and his commitment as a varsity basketball player.
That balance is not easy.
It requires discipline, time management, and a level of maturity that goes beyond expectations. Ricardo handled it with consistency and focus, continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
This phase of his journey reflects something deeper than employment. It reflects independence.
Growth beyond the job
Like any meaningful experience, Ricardo's journey was not without challenges. There were moments that required adjustment, persistence, and continued effort.
What defined his success was how he responded.
Over time, he developed:
This growth was visible not just at work, but in how he approached school, relationships, and his future.
- A strong and consistent work ethic
- Greater confidence in himself and his abilities
- A more positive and proactive approach to challenges
A milestone achievement
To date, Ricardo has worked more than 270 days with SodexoMagic at the Delta Sky Club inside Atlanta International Airport. This is one of the busiest Delta lounges in the United States, serving thousands of travelers every day.
His ability to thrive in such a high-demand environment speaks to his reliability, adaptability, and commitment.
At the same time, he is completing his senior year at North Atlanta High School, continuing his involvement in varsity basketball, and preparing for his next chapter as he awaits college decisions.
Why longevity like this matters to an employer
More than 270 days is a number worth pausing on, because the early months are where most employment relationships are decided. The Work Institute's Retention Report has found that roughly 40% of all turnover occurs in an employee's first year, which means the cost of a hire is often determined long before an anniversary is ever reached.
Ricardo passed that stretch and kept going, in a setting where a shift cannot be improvised and coverage cannot be missed.
That is the practical case behind a story like this one. An employee who returns week after week, learns the routine, and becomes someone the team counts on is the outcome every hiring manager is aiming for. For employers considering inclusive hiring, the question is less about whether a young person can meet that standard and more about whether the preparation, the match, and the support are in place to let them.
What this story represents
Ricardo's journey is more than a success story. It is an example of what is possible when preparation, opportunity, and support come together.
Through Bridges, he did not just get a job. He gained:
This is the impact of connecting students to meaningful employment before they graduate. A first job that begins during high school is not a detour from a student's plans. It is a head start on them, and it gives a young person something concrete to carry into whatever comes next, whether that is a college campus, a training program, or another role.
- Real-world experience
- Confidence and independence
- A foundation for long-term success
Creating pathways that last
At its core, Bridges from School to Work is about creating pathways.
Pathways that help students move from structured school environments into real-world employment.
Pathways that give employers access to motivated, prepared talent.
Pathways that lead to long-term growth and independence.
Ricardo's story reflects the power of that connection.
One opportunity. One decision to say yes. One outcome that continues to shape his future.
If your organization is looking to build a reliable workforce while opening a door for a student in your community, we would welcome the chance to connect with our team and talk about what a first placement could look like.