Jermaine Rollins: A lot of people from my neighborhood when they see me around say, "Man how did you get that job?” or “What were you doing in my school?" When I tell them about the program they seem really interested. I want them to see there is so much more to life other than selling weed or crack or coke. I want them to see there are other ways to get money and feel good. I think if I am able to influence enough people, then maybe, just maybe, it will spread, and people at least in my neighborhood can start to think about other options.
I feel like I'm benefiting the most from my efforts because this whole experience has really helped open my eyes to the big picture. I see that my efforts can touch so much and so many more - my work goes so much further than just me.
William Boddy: I retired with a full benefit package after 35 years in the Navy Yard, just before it closed. I decided I wanted to try social service and worked for United Way seven years. NSCC had an opening. Coming from the suburbs, I found working in the inner city new territory. It was hard work, until I started working with the first and second graders. At the end of my second term, I liked it so much I asked to stay on at the school as a teaching assistant. I'm 69 now and will work there as long as they let me. These kids make it a joy to come to school every day.
Damaris Perez: I was in my second year of college as an education major when I began to have some doubts. Introduced to NSCC, I thought this opportunity would tell me if I really wanted to major in education or not. In the first two years I have learned that the most important thing is our presence, just being there, giving hugs and making children feel important. Last year I worked with two students who had severe learning problems. They were first graders who were functioning below the kindergarten level. During the year they learned to read and one student wrote her first sentence -- "I love Miss Damy." That's when I realized it was worthwhile. I will be a senior this fall at Temple University and I have decided to continue another year as a team leader.
Todd Stregiel: After graduating from college, I moved to Philadelphia with a friend to hunt for a job. I ended up managing a jazz club in center city. The hours were killing and unsatisfying. The NSCC sounded like an opportunity for me to know myself better and find out what would be satisfying for me.
In the 'Reach for Reading' program, I tutored one child every day for a half hour. She was so silly and had a great personality, but school just didn't seem to fit her life. While tutoring her, I remembered a book that had been special to me as a child and brought it in to share. She found it as special as I did, so I gave it to her at the end of the year.
In NSCC, everyone walks away with a sense of accomplishment. But what we remember when we look back are the Latifahs and the Michaels that become part of our lives. Through NSCC, I have been able to orient myself to what is fulfilling for me. I can now see myself getting a master's degree in education and teaching high school English or drama."
Max Diaz: I am from the Dominican Republic and graduated from Edison High School in 2001. As a child I dreamed of pursuing a career in the Information Technology field but did not know exactly what I wanted. As a Digital Service Fellow, I was providing tech-support to administrators, teachers, and community members. Through these experiences, I learned that I have something valuable to give that my community needs. This knowledge has helped me become a role model for other Latino youth in my community. I can show them that it is cool to be a "techie" and a "nerd"!
