In this Elevate Indianapolis alumni podcast, President and CEO Aaron Story and co-host Calvin Washington speak with Mariana, a 2022 Arsenal Tech graduate and current senior at the University of Indianapolis. Mariana reflects on her journey growing up in Fountain Square, attending local schools including William McKinley School 39 and Harshman Middle School, and eventually graduating from Arsenal Tech. Now preparing to graduate in 2026 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in child and youth programming, she shares how her family and community have been her foundation through challenges such as childhood medical issues, a serious car accident, and the demands of her education major. She talks about the impact of Elevate programs, from her early involvement through her older sister at Harshman, to her own experiences with classes, mentorship, and internships that confirmed her calling as a teacher. Mariana highlights the role of mentors like Ms. Garza, Bralyn, and Jackson in shaping her path and preparing her for leadership. In this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance, support systems, and the lessons learned through both family and community. She also offers insights into what it means to thrive as a young adult, the challenges facing youth in Indianapolis, and why investing in kids is critical for the city’s future. This episode is part of the “Long-Term Life-Changing Legacies” series, celebrating Elevate Indianapolis alumni who are becoming thriving contributors to their communities.