Louie Mejia never imagined that he would one day be rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Mejia shared a story about an unforgettable day spent with rap icon Snoop Dogg, and another memorable ride to a photoshoot with hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar. These were not just exciting experiences for Mejia but a testament of how far he had come from the streets he once roamed. 

Mejia was once a gang member and drug dealer, who transformed his life to become an award-winning journalist. He spoke to students from LACOE’s Learn and Earn Program, a school-based virtual after-school mentoring program that promotes academic success, prosocial behaviors, and the opportunity to earn money. The program included guest speaker sessions to bring in outside speakers who have inspirational stories to share. 

Mejia’s childhood was marred by poverty and despair. His father abandoned him when he was little, and his mother became addicted to drugs. With no money, no guidance, and no role models, he turned to the streets for refuge, joining a gang and selling drugs. What prompted Mejia to change was his desire to be better. He knew that if he continued that path, he would end up in prison, dead or strung-out.  

Today Mejia is a CBS network producer and photographer and is a Peabody award-winning & two-time Emmy nominated television journalist. He told students it took him 30 years to get to where he’s at today. He encouraged them to set goals, to aim high, and to believe in themselves. Mejia gradually turned his life around after working as a janitor at a TV station. He discovered his passion for photography and sought opportunities to learn from others in the newsroom. He was persistent, coming into work early, asking a lot of questions and looking for opportunities to practice being a photographer. He told students they have to put in the work to get to where they want to be, and they have to be willing to make sacrifices to achieve their dreams. 

LACOE’s Learn and Earn program pairs employees with students from the Juvenile Court Schools and Renaissance schools to help them develop personal growth and support their educational goals. Mentors meet with students virtually twice a week, for one-hour sessions for a period of 5 to 6 weeks, to explore career pathways. Students can earn up to $300 by attending, participating and completing a final project. To learn more about the Learn and Earn Program, contact Mary Sanchez at sanchez_mary@lacoe.edu.