How I became a part of something special

Ten years ago I was a student at Cal State Fullerton trying to finish up my final credits, so I could graduate with my degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in youth sports. I was also an AmeriCorps volunteer and had to intern with a local business as a requirement for the class. Not knowing that I was about to be a part of something that would change my life, I was assigned as a physical education specialist at the Tiger Woods Learning Center. 

After interviewing with Dr. Kathy Bihr, she informed me that instead of assisting in physical education, my role would be to help facilitate the engineering class for 7th-12th graders. Being that I come from a family of engineers, I felt like it was meant to be, and I excitedly accepted the position and started interning at the learning center in Anaheim, California.

On my first day of volunteering, I was filled with so much excitement. As I walked into my first class, I could feel the excitement and eagerness to learn from the kids in the forensic science class. The students were learning how to investigate a crime scene and creating a “Wanted” poster on the computer. The students were energetically telling me that a perpetrator had come in during recess and messed up the classroom. As I was listening to all their different interpretations of what the perpetrator looked like, I started reminiscing about how excited I was to learn something new. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the students learned how to program robots after lunch. I couldn’t help but let out the kid inside of me. I remember leaving that day knowing that I was part of something special because I can still remember seeing the biggest smile on the students’ faces.  

During my internship facilitating the engineering classroom, I watched students build solar-powered vehicles and balsa wood structures and cook hot dogs with energy from the sun, and most importantly, I built positive relationships with both the students and the staff. When my internship was over in June of that year, I did not want the experience to end, so I inquired about any job opportunities. I was told that they were interviewing for two full-time learning facilitators to start in the fall of 2006. I requested an interview, knowing that I really wanted this job. 
 
During my interview I was asked what the Tiger Woods Learning Center’s motto — Change Your World — meant to me and how it applies to the kids we serve. I remember my saying that for a kid to change their world, they do not need to think globally. But if they change themselves and how they think about the world, then they can affect change in the world around them.

Now, reflecting back 10 years, the learning center has really changed my world. On any given day, I am able to inspire kids to be the next marine scientist, rocket scientist or robotic engineer, and I love it when kids think that I am a genius in these specific fields. I have built strong relationships with some of my colleagues, and when I’ve been in need of support both professionally and personally, they have been there with sincere hearts. 

I can remember the time when my son was born with a heart defect and had to have two heart surgeries within the first two years of his life. It was my colleagues that gave me strength to be the strong one for my family during that time, and for that I cannot express how much love and respect I have for my teammates.

I am proud of what the learning center has accomplished in the last 10 years, and I am excited for the next 10. I believe that we are just getting started, and WE are changing our world around us by supporting the next unexpected champions.

Champions of the unexpected for 20 years.