Dennis Penate’s path to success might have been different if Youth Radio’s scout never showed up at his high school. With a chance to learn about becoming a radio host, he decided to get involved with them. This day marked the turning point in his career, which essentially started everything that he has been involved with.

His resume reads like a professional with work experience as a host for radio show, an internship at KBTB, Power 92.7 and three TV shows filed perfectly in a portfolio. But this isn’t a resume for someone who has a degree. It’s for a first year BECA student at SF State.

At the age of 16, Penate began practicing his craft at an organization, Youth Radio. He was born in El Salvador and moved to Oakland when he was 2.

Now 18 and five jobs later, he has developed a talent for broadcasting - on radio and television.

Working for Youth Radio, the radio station Power 92.7, and networks like KRON 4 and UPN may seem like a list of accomplishments, but for Penate, a self-proclaimed “perfectionist,” it’s not much.

“I don’t feel like I’ve done anything,” said Penate. “I always tell myself that. It pushes me to do more all the time.”

His older brother thinks otherwise.

“He’s accomplished so much at such a young age,” said Andy Penate, 24, in the construction business. “Ever since I can remember, he’s been goal-oriented. He’s the type that likes to get his hands on everything.”

As an intern, Penate operated the control board and soon moved up to become a host for Youth Radio, a radio show on KPFA. With his show, he chooses the music and gives commentary on air. But his quick learning skills are not the only reason he became a host.

“Dennis has a positive attitude and is trying to get as much experience as he can,” said Teresa Jackson, 35, the office manager at Youth Radio. “He’s ambitious and a good leader for young people.”

Jackson has known Penate for over a year now and said that Youth Radio has given him a good foundation.

Though Penate is still currently working at Youth Radio, his most recent experience as a host was for the TV show, Speak On It, airing on UPN. The youth-produced and created show addresses issues from race and education to sex and fashion.

“They (the youth) are really responding,” said Penate. “Even my friends ask me about the topics on the show. It looks like we’re doing our job.”

Aside from the youth’s response to Speak On It, Penate has also established a name, voice and face for himself through the show.

He smiled with hesitation and looked away when he chose the words “weird” and “exciting” when describing seeing himself on TV. He laughed it off as if a bit bashful.

“I’m really shy when it comes to this stuff,” said Penate. “People come up to me and say, ‘We saw you on UPN.’ I don’t like talking about it unless they ask.”

But his mom, Yaneth Penate, reacts differently. When she hears her son is going to be on TV, she tells everyone, he said.

He is the first in their family to be on television and radio.

“The first time she saw my name was when the credits were rolling and she started crying,” said Penate.

Penate relies on his family for support and inspiration.

“My mother and brother are my strength,” said Penate. “Everything I do is for them.”

The feeling is mutual between the brothers.

“We always support anything and everything he’s doing,” said Andy. “We’re here for him.”

Now that the season with Speak On It is over, Penate plans to get all his work into a portfolio and start sending out resumes.

Despite his success, Penate stays humble and is looking for any opportunity that comes his way.

“I don’t think I’m ever going to be completely happy – that’s what keeps me going,” Penate said.