Meet Caden Lee, Hidden Genius Alum (Richmond 8 Cohort), whose journey with The Hidden Genius Project helped him transform from someone who, in his words, “didn’t really like to talk to anyone” into a confident leader, mentor, and aspiring game developer. A graduate of El Cerrito High School, Caden currently attends Diablo Valley College with plans to transfer to either San Diego State University or UC San Diego where he plans to major in computer science. Through The Hidden Genius Project, Caden discovered a passion for technology as well as an appreciation for the power of community. Caden continues to give back as a Youth Educator with The Hidden Genius Project.
How have you been?
I’ve been okay, just getting ready for school. My family has been okay, just getting ready for me to get a job and my future. I’m excited to start college and talk to my counselors to know what I need to do to transfer to my preferred 4-Year colleges.
How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?
I first learned about The Hidden Genius Project when I was in school. My Vice Principal told me about it and how it would be a great experience to learn. So I took my chances and signed up, and I’m happy that I made that decision. I learned a lot, and I’m still learning while in the program.
What was your experience in the program like?
When I first joined the program, I thought that I was going to be by myself most of the time because I didn’t really like to talk to anyone, but after a while, people started to talk to me, and I eventually opened up to the program. I enjoyed the people and the trips that we went on. The best highlight is when we went to Twitch.
Tell me about some of the challenges you’ve faced while in The Hidden Genius Project? How did you overcome them?
When I first started The Hidden Genius Project I was really bad with coding because I’ve never really been a fan of it. So I was falling behind almost to the point where I wanted to quit. Until they told me a way to make it easier for myself, and after having that conversation, I started getting so good at it that I was almost always ahead of what I was supposed to be doing.
Describe the final project you created during your time in the Immersion Program.
My final project was about teaching other kids to learn how to drive. I made this game because I know that there are a lot of kids out there who want to learn how to drive, but the only way to do so is by paying for it. So I learned how to make a game so that they don’t have to pay for stuff that might not be helpful.
How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in?
The main difference is that in The Hidden Genius Project you actually can feel the energy from all the other people in the program. While also feeling the love and appreciation from the staff members and the community that you’re in. This is why I feel like it’s different from all of the other programs that I’ve been in.
What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?
The Hidden Genius Project taught me many things, but my top two would be to have confidence in oneself and knowing how to act, especially when you represent something more than just yourself. These helped me a lot because I was never really the type to go out there and help out unless I was asked to.
What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level from particpating in The Hidden Genius Project?
The most important thing I gained from being a part of The Hidden Genius Project would be understanding the significance of being a part of a community that’s different from your family.
How do you think your path might have been different if you hadn’t participated in The Hidden Genius Project?
I probably wouldn’t have developed the same self-confidence that I developed from being around people similar to myself.
When you imagine yourself before starting The Hidden Genius Project, what’s different between that version of you and the current version?
The “me” before The Hidden Genius Project was more artificial, acting less like myself and more so how I’d imagine other people would like.
In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?
I’ve been working on my project, mentoring kids as a Youth Educator, and helping out The Hidden Genius Project as a whole. I truly thank everyone at The Hidden Genius Project for the stuff that they help me out with, so I plan to help them as much as they helped me.
In what ways has the staff of The Hidden Genius Project continued to support you since graduating from the program?
They checked up on me when I was in my hardest times. Phone calls, text messages, and emails just to make sure that I feel welcomed and appreciated in the space that I was in. Now they help me out if I have any questions or concerns about anything that comes to mind.
If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?
This will be a new experience, one that you may believe that you’ve already experienced before, but the people you’ll encounter will teach you more about yourself than you’d imagine.
What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?
The instructors here are people you can actually view as friends, but friends who will truly keep you in line.
Since 2012, nearly 11,400 students have revealed their genius through our Immersion, Catalyst, and Community Partner Programs, and so many more are waiting to shine.
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