Terrence

Student of the Month

Terrence is a recent graudate of Our Next Generation's High School Connection and is attending Marquette University.  He became involved with Our Next Generation at a very young age and has continued his commitment for over a decade.  Terrence sat down with the Our Next Generation staff and discussed his history with the organization and his plans for the future.

ONG: How did you get involved in Our Next Generation?

Terrence: I used to live around here and my sisters and my cousins were the first to ever start here. Ever since then my family has been in here.  I came here in first or second grade.

ONG: Is there anything else that was a factor in your decision to come here?

Terrence:  What really makes me come here is that it helps me stay out of trouble.  I come here, stay out of trouble, do my work and get help.

ONG: Which programs have you participated in?

Terrence: (Laughs) All the programs they have here!  The High School Connection, The Homework Club, we used to have a program called Planning for the Future.  I think I was in every program they’ve had, even the summer programs.  They had a Jubilee Day Camp, summer school—I did it all. 

ONG: Were there any people, guest speakers, or events in particular that had a big impact on you?

Terrence: The main person who had an impact is my tutor Elliot.  I’ve been with him since sixth grade and he’s been a great guy.  He’s mentored me, tutored me, and given me good advice.  It’s hard to give me advice, because I don’t listen (laughs).  He doesn’t tell me what to do; he gives me an option of what he thinks I should do.  He gives me his intake on life, what he’s been through. 

ONG: Are you still working with Elliot?

Terrence: Yeah, I do. 

ONG: How do you think these programs have helped you?

Terrence: These programs really help me stay focused. I was kind of a smart guy, you know?  You would say something and I would say something back.  But they really helped me mature here.

ONG: So what are your plans for the future?

Terrence: I am a freshman at Marquette University studying Accounting. My thought is that if you have a Marquette degree you can get a lot of jobs. 

ONG: What are your hopes for the future of Our Next Generation?

Terrence: I hope they get more students involved and I hope they are able to change students’ mindsets, because this neighborhood is not the greatest of neighborhoods.  That’s why I come, because this program helped me out a lot.