"Tommy" is a highly intelligent and creative sixth-grade student that has been attending Culmore Safe Youth Project since the fourth grade.  He is always willing to provide assistance with snack and room set-up and enjoys lively, light hearted, hilarious conversations.  However, it took him a few years to get to this point. 

Tommy's life was shattered when his mother left him and his father to start another family.  She meant the world to him, so this perceived act of abandonment really hurt.  When he first started coming to the program, he had a really hard time getting along with others.  Playing video games and eating was his way of comforting himself, and he seldom participated in outdoor sports.  Schoolwork was at the bottom of his priority list.

One late afternoon, the Program Coordinator, taking note of Tommy's extreme interest in video games, drew a comparison between gaming and life goals and used gaming jargon to illustrate the importance of seeing a goal and working toward it little by little to achieve it.  This resonated deeply with Tommy.  Since this conversation, Tommy has been arriving at the program saying things like "Today I worked a little harder because I can see that these homework assignments are the key to getting me to the 'boss' (gaming word for a very challenging opponent) which is the upcoming test.  I did well on all my homework, so I think I have what it takes to earn an A on the test."

Like all young people, it will take ongoing support and encouragement to help Tommy reach his full potential.  However, he is happier and more confident, and his grades reflect his change in attitude.