BTC '09

So I decided to shift my blog's attention from the much needed shoning conversations to the much needed topic of Academic success!

As you all may know, I have spent my summer interning in Cambridge, MA. The internship is called Breakthrough Cambridge, hence where the acronym BTC comes from. However, this summer BTC also had another meaning. BTC also stood for Be The Change, which was our motto for the summer. It took me about 3 weeks to realize that the motto also had the initials BTC, but dont judge me! Well BTC is summer academics program for Middle school students. We emphasize the importance of an higher education. 90% of our students are minorities, and most of them come from underrepresented schools. At BTC, we educate our future leaders of society on different academic subjects, we plan and coordinate weekly events, and we serve as counselors, advisors, and mentors.

Ok, so now that you have received a little history or background on my internship. I am going to go into the most important people from the program that has really changed my outlook on life and education. These three boys have become my reasoning for wanting to come back another year, my reasoning for the desire to continue educating, and my reasoning for being a role model to others. These three boys were my advisees these summer: KB, Buttercup, and Mals. The three of them are all so different, yet they have all captured my heart in different ways.

KB: My all around all-star.. Always willing to help out...Always polite... Too strong for his own good LOL... Persistent and responsible... A great Baseball player... Will conquer thw orld and become famous..

Buttercup: Mr. Charming... He is just an adorable child who attempts to use charm to get out of trouble. There is never a dull moment. Confident but at times doubts himself. Loves to play with balloons. Has the ability to do whatever he wants. Is a good dancer! LOL! Needs to be pushed to full potential.

Mals: Oh Mals! Mals has the potential to do such good things in this world. At times he is unsure whether he should use his abilities for good or bad. Will be successful with whatever he does. Needs to be motivated! My future entrepreneur.

These three boys are perfect examples as to why it is important to do everything in your power to positively impact a childs life. Every child has the ability to succeed but at times they need that added push to get to there full potential. These kids are our future. They need positive role models in there life. So do everything in your power to directly effect and impact another individual. You'd be surprised the things you can accomplish, when you just take the time to do something.

Check out this video of the BTC students at our Celebration event: http://www.new.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1121543006875&ref=mf