When Walter Flores first met Nancy Hsiung in 2013, he was a sophomore at Roxbury Community College, looking for a summer internship in biological science. 

Nancy was volunteering with Summer Search’s emerging career coaching program. Neither could have known that their first coaching conversation would become the beginning of a relationship that would span more than a decade, and become, in Walter’s words, “a lifelong life coach” relationship. 

Nancy remembers meeting Walter and noting that he was “very open, personable and engaging.” Nancy helped Walter secure an internship at Boston University, where she watched him impress his colleagues with his intelligence and hard work. From there, he continued building experience in laboratories and biotech startups, eventually earning a master’s degree. 

Nancy describes Walter as someone who has always known how to move forward—even when the path was complicated. 

“Walter has always been able to figure out how to get things done as best he could. When he had issues, he would ask me for advice, BUT he always came with a few options that he had already carefully considered. He was (and is) an easy person to mentor.” 

But somewhere along the way, mentoring became something much bigger. Walter shared: 

“Over time, without even realizing exactly when the shift happened, Nancy and Charlie (Nancy’s husband) truly became family to me. They grew into a crucial support network, anchoring not just my professional life but my personal journey as a whole. Our connection has always been incredibly organic and mutual; whenever Nancy reaches out to catch up, I genuinely look forward to it. There is a deep comfort in knowing that closeness goes both ways. 

 For Nancy, that evolution has been very special, too: “I consider my relationship with Walter as a wonderful gift from Summer Search. He is an exceptional person and now friend of the family.” 

Nancy and her husband Charlie at Walter’s wedding

Today, Walter is a scientist in Boston, developing genetic treatments for rare genetic diseases. Outside the lab, he enjoys DIY projects, exploring New England with his wife, Alison, and traveling with their 13-year-old dog. Nancy, now retired after more than four decades in biotech as a research scientist, business development professional, and venture capitalist, spends her time traveling and supporting the nonprofits she cares about –  especially Summer Search.  

Walter’s outdoor journey started with a NOLS trip through Summer Search – and years later, another NOLS trip brought him back, this time as an adult, where he met his wife, Alison (pictured above)

For Walter, Nancy’s support has been there through the highs and lows of his life. 

“During my darkest moments, Nancy was always there for me. I will forever be profoundly grateful to her, because I quite literally wouldn’t be where I am today without her support.”

For Nancy, the reward is seeing what happens next: “That is the gift for me – learning that students have moved on and are happy.” 

Walter and Nancy’s relationship exemplifies what makes Summer Search’s model special: individualized mentorship and coaching that tailors guidance, encouragement, and connection to each student’s needs. And in some cases, it also leads to a lifelong friend. 

Summer Search’s Career Coaching Program creates those connections for Summer Search participants, pairing them one-on-one with experienced professionals who can help them explore careers, build skills and confidence, and navigate their next steps. The program is national, connecting Summer Searchers all five sites with coaches who can expand their professional networks and open up new possibilities. 

Interested in becoming part of that network? Learn more at www.summersearch.org/ccp and discover how you can help a young person imagine and create their next chapter.