Starting my junior year in high school, I became affiliated with the East Oakland Youth Development Center through the head track coach for the E.O.Y.D.C.  I had always heard it as the “Center” but didn’t know what it was.  I decided to find out by joining the track team.  Twice a week we practiced at the E.O.Y.D.C.  After several months of training, the E.O.Y.D.C. became like a second home to me.  Every time I walked into the building, I felt that this place really wanted to make a difference in the community.  The employees were always friendly and supported the track team a great deal.  Being on the track team meant that each athlete represented the E.O.Y.D.C.  I believe that the E.O.Y.D.C. was a place that brought out the best in people.  Volunteering for the Center, I saw that the character of the children began to change because they new that despite their life circumstances, somebody cared for them and had their best interest at heart.  I believe that my character as a person grew from having the mind of young girl to young women through the lessons I learned.  The Center emphasized learning lessons about success in life from the activities that were offered and presented.  The Center gave me a reason to rise above and beyond the expectations that I had from my coach or myself.  The Center helped me reach my potential and apply my knowledge toward my goals of going to college and running track.

Ola Adeniji