My work experience here at the East Oakland Youth Development Center has been a positive experience every time I walk through the doors. When in the Homework Center I feel joy every time I help a child with their homework and then on the next couple of problems I can sit back and watch then do it by them selves. I enjoy playing games with the children and also watching the kids play games amount themselves. Sitting back and watching the children go back and forth from love hate relationships is funny and reminds me of the days when I was little. Watching the kids help each other on each others homework warms me up inside and forms a smile on my face. Watching the kids dance with each other and crack jokes on each other and change best friends and brothers and sisters everyday really keeps me on my toes.

When in the gym I enjoy playing basketball with the children and also teaching them how to do effective push ups. I like helping the boys’ basketball team practice and teaching them new drills and giving them tips for game day. Coaching practice is funny because not to long ago I was the one getting coached and now I get to experience what it’s like to have to repeat your words and make a kid run for bad behavior.

My work experience at EOYDC every day is wonderful. I love the kids and enjoy being able to reminisce on what it was like when I was a kid.

Julian West, Homework Tutor