Sample Storybook Submissions (7/29/2008)

Lisette Abad (CA)

The After School All Stars is a program that has truly changed my life and that has inspired me to help others. I began with the program at a very young age, taking part in as many programs as possible. The one program that influenced me the most was a judo class being held at San Jose State University. I began taking classes after my father was diagnosed with cancer. Medical bills were too expensive and so we could not afford any other programs around the area. It only took a few weeks before I knew that I had found the sport that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I'm not sure if it was the comfort I felt that the program offered or the thrill of fighting but I knew I was in love. My father passed away on February 11th, 2007, it was the same day as the Western Regional tournament. I was not informed about my father's passing till the afternoon, but we were both fighting at the same time. I was fighting for the gold and he was fighting for his life, I know my father would have wanted me to be at the tournament. I believe that his love for watching me fight and knowing that he is always watching me fight, is what drives me to succeed. I have been doing judo for about eight years and have won many national titles, I was invited to the junior Pan-American championships, and just this June I competed in the Olympic trials for a chance of making the USA team. This summer I will be training to compete at nationals in Florida and at the Junior World Team trials. I have come to realize that although the fame of winning is always a very exciting thing, that is not what matters most. The After School All Stars has changed my life, with my success I hope to not just represent the program, but to show kids that anything is possible if you only set your mind to it.








Gloria Y. Hernandez (CA)

Although I have just completed my second year of teaching, I like to think my career really began eight years ago when I was assigned to work for the 21st Century Afterschool Program at Hanshaw Jr. High. I was a first-year college student back then, I was assigned to be a tutor through CSU Stanislaus - PAD program, and I had long ago abandoned my childhood dream of becoming a teacher. I stayed with the program for six years. I was an academic mentor, an AVID tutor, a Tae Bo instructor, a role model and a friend to these students. I saw four academic case managers come and go. I watched the program peak and flourish. I proudly attended six graduation ceremonies. I learned that a student is so much more than a face, an attitude, and a smile. I wanted to be a teacher again. The 21st Century Program did so much for my future and for the future of the students who experienced the program. It was more than after school tutoring and recreation. We developed entities at our program that brought culture, self-esteem, happiness, life-skills, and support to so many children. For some, we were the only the positive adult figures in their lives. I was so lucky to be there. I worked with people who loved children and truly cared about their well-being. I will never forget my experiences at Hanshaw. Through them, I learned the real life issues involved in teaching. My students walk into my classroom with weights on their shoulders; the weight of their world. My job is to give them an education, provide support, and acknowledge that weight. I owe this insight to my mentors who taught me what it means to give back to the community, the 21st Century Director and all the past academic case managers: John, Jaime, Manuel, Jorge, and Jose. Thank you.

Chondalaya Hurt (IL)

During my freshman year in high school, my dad was deployed to Kuwait. I took it out in all the wrong ways. I started to get into all kinds of trouble - I was fighting with girls at school and failing my classes. I was suspended more times than I can count. My mom was stressed out and mad at me, and when I got to talk to my dad, I could tell he was disappointed. At the time, I didn't care about anyone, including myself. I was so out of control that my cousin, our friend and I jumped a girl in the locker room at school, and was arrested! Sitting in the station waiting for my mom, I was scared of what kind of trouble I would be in. My school suspended me and put me on probation and I had to go in front of a judge.

I found myself in Judge Stutley's courtroom, charged with misdemeanor battery. I realized that I had gone too far. Instead of sending me to jail, he referred me to Constance Carter at Project BUILD, which is a program that provide support and afterschool and summer activities for delinquent youth to help get us back on track.

This was a turning point in my life. Connie was always there for me, listening to me, making sure I came to BUILD and kept up with my school work and behavior. She always stayed positive even when I made mistakes. At BUILD, I got involved in Becoming Women, and was trained to give advise to teenage girls going through self-destructive behavior, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide and cutting, teen pregnancy, dating violence and eating disorders. From that, I gained a lot of self-esteem and learned to have respect for others and myself, and how to make great choices and overcome stress and depression. I joined Brand BUILD, which is the after school jewelry making program. I met Kaleen and she influenced/forced me to go to college.

Also, I was a summer intern with Guillermo and the Youth Council, and we organized and planned the BUILD Board Awards, which acknowledged youth agencies in the Humboldt Park community that provide good afterschool programs and services to youth. I learned business and communication skills, and how to multi-task. We balanced going on trips and playing sports, all while preparing for the awards' ceremony.

My dad came back during my junior year, and he has retired from the army. My attitude is totally changed - I'm staying out of trouble, focused on school. I was chosen from 1,000 applicants in 2007 as one of the Bank of America student leaders. I graduated high school, and just completed my first year of a nursing program. I have a volleyball scholarship, a sport that I learned while involved in BUILD's afterschool programs. Thanks to the support I got from my parents and from BUILD, I plan on graduating from college and becoming a dedicated and helpful registered nurse.