What interested you most about an Internship at Capital Direct Funding?
Rodolfo Campos:
Taking on challenges is something that I have embraced my entire life, no matter how difficult the situation may be, as a result, I decided to attend UC Berkeley. My immediate post-graduation goal is to help underrepresented communities, especially East LA, by supplying family’s and students with the necessary resources to successfully embark on their journey. I firmly believe that sharing knowledge, experiences, and skills are essential for us to grow as a community. This internship is giving me the critical thinking abilities necessary to carry out my goal, as well as helping me quench my insatiable desire to learn more about financial literacy, investments, and savings. Capital Direct Funding is helping me build my future brick by brick.
Diego Corona:
As I transitioned from high school to college, my passion for financial literacy grew and so did my efforts to try to assist the underdeveloped and low-income communities. As a first-generation Latino, I witnessed family and friends be affected by housing and financial crises and I made it my goal to help these families stabilize their future. After completing my freshman year at UC Berkeley, I wanted to learn more about Real Estate and investments to further understand how the markets work and eventually gain enough knowledge to assist the families in need. As an intern at Capital Direct Funding, I was able to work alongside a sharp group of individuals who cared for the well being of the community and I was able to expand my apprehension of the housing market as I learned more about real estate investments and loan programs.
Give us one take away from your experience working at Capital Direct Funding?
Rodolfo Campos:
My greatest takeaway was financial literacy. Although one may learn some of it in college, it is different to experience it and see it applied in a professional setting.
Diego Corona:
I really enjoyed having conversations with Frank, Sandra, Francisco and the entire staff at Capital Direct Funding. Their perspectives and professionalism really helped me become more curious in financial services and has contributed to the growth of my passions.
What are some of your hobbies?
Rodolfo Campos:
As a Los Angeles Marathon two-time finisher, I have avidly enjoyed running since I was 12. However, other interests lie in playing guitar, drawing, basketball, and lifting weights.
Diego Corona:
As a musician with Mariachi Vilazul, I enjoy playing the trumpet and performing for festivities. I also enjoy playing basketball and having insightful conversations with my peers and coworkers.
Who is your Inspiration?
Rodolfo Campos:
Talking to my parents gave me a window into their life beyond their listless fatigue that seemed to follow them the moment they enter the door, eyes dry and bloodshot, yet the moment they meet mine, I am happily met with a smile. Tough hands and rugged feet are the norm, and as a result of witnessing their hard work, they became my inspiration to be better. I can never repay my parents’ sacrifices with material possessions, but rather by demonstrating that their hard work bore fruit and making something of my life.
Diego Corona:
My parents and family are my biggest inspiration. All their sacrifice and experiences have helped shape me into who I am today, and it is my goal to repay them by taking advantage of any opportunity offered to me and by becoming the best version of myself that I can be.
What skills did you develop?
Rodolfo Campos:
I am learning how to think ahead. Although focusing on the present is important, it is also important to think of what your next step will be, and how it will benefit the cause you are trying to create. Furthermore, I have developed managerial and budgeting skills that are both basic and important tools in life.
Diego Corona:
During my internship I further developed my ability to think out of the box by sitting in with conversations with Frank, Sandra, and Francisco.
What app can you not live without and why?
Rodolfo Campos:
I cannot live without Reddit, it’s my main source for news, answers, and memes.
Diego Corona:
I can’t live without Google because it’s the gateway for answers and creates a new path for questions to be asked.
What Character trait do you want to be known for?
Rodolfo Campos:
Grit is all I can ever refer myself to. From working hard and getting into Berkeley, to receiving scholarships to attend, to completing the LA Marathon. It was not easy, but everything that is worth doing will never be. Although adversity can be crushing, you will become a better person in the end.
Diego Corona:
I want to be known for my strong work ethic, dedication, and for delivering the best results to the best of my abilities.