Celebrating 20 Years of Breakthrough: Alum Spotlight on Julie Xiong
As Breakthrough Twin Cities marks its 20th anniversary, we’re proud to highlight the voices and journeys of those who have grown through the program. Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Julie Xiong, a student and Teaching Fellow alum whose Breakthrough journey began with a simple spark: sibling stories filled with fun and laughter.
From Stories to Summers of Joy
Julie joined Breakthrough the summer after sixth grade, inspired by the excitement her siblings brought home. “The summers were filled with lots of learning (academically and socially) and full of laughter,” she said.
That early joy inspired her to return as a Teaching Fellow, where she discovered even deeper layers of growth and connection.
“Being a TF added another layer of learning and growth, and it sparked even more joy as I connected with the community through the students and my peers.”
A Journey of Growth and Connection
One of Julie’s favorite memories comes from her senior year, when she and her fellow students went on a trip to visit colleges around the Midwest. “I was able to reflect on how much I have grown with the Breakthrough program as a student and as an individual,” she said. “I also learned that it was never too late to reconnect with Breakthrough peers.”
A formative moment came during her first summer as a Teaching Fellow. After delivering a lesson in a style that didn’t feel authentic, a peer gave her a piece of feedback that stuck: “Don’t be afraid to let some of your personality come through.”That simple suggestion became a turning point. “As I continue moving through life, that moment has really pushed me to just be me.’”
Breakthrough’s Lasting Influence
For Julie, Breakthrough instilled lasting values. “Breakthrough has influenced my values through the experiences I have had with this program such as gratitude and curiosity,” she reflects. It also gave her a strong foundation of leadership and confidence. “Breakthrough has given me the opportunity to lead in so many different levels and thus giving me the confidence to take steps towards my own aspirations.”
Where She Is Now
Julie is currently a student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, pursuing a degree that aligns with her passion for helping people and supporting their growth. She continues to reflect on her journey and the “shades of paint” she’s collecting to fill her life’s canvas. “I’m also missing my students a lot too as the summer rolls around—they taught me so much as well and I’m so grateful for every one of them!”
A Seed of Growth
If she had to sum up Breakthrough in one word, Julie would choose “Seed.” As she explained, “When you join this community, there will be something that plants a seed of some sort of growth… In Breakthrough, it seems that so many individuals are always growing.”
Julie’s story reminds us that Breakthrough is not just a program—it’s a place where seeds of joy, curiosity, and leadership take root and flourish. We’re honored to be part of her journey and excited to celebrate the many alumni like her who continue to shape the world with care and courage.
