In 2008 I started to volunteer weekly with a group of freshman students. I've been consistently impressed by their transformation through BUILD. BUILD gave us dedicated teachers and staff that worked with the students in depth to lay down a solid foundation for the mentors (us volunteers) to build upon in our weekly sessions. Over each school year the shyest students became sharp salesmen, the math-nervous students confidently discussed financials forecasts for their small businesses, and - most importantly - the students who weren't interested in school are now applying to college. BUILD engages students.

It's been an honor to be involved with BUILD and I'll continue to work with the group as long as I can!