Name: Dean 
Team: Education Team, Ben Franklin High School
How would you describe your experience at Choice?
“My time with Choice was a year for me to grow, not only as a professional always wanting to work for youth, but as a human overall. You learn a lot about yourself, especially from the kids you serve. The kids are what make the year of service worthwhile. Truly a beneficial experience.”
How was it to work in your team’s community?
“I was relatively new to Baltimore City, but the parallels to neighborhoods in DC are very similar. The families were receptive and made the service genuine and fulfilling. Understanding the role we play as Fellows, I reminded myself that the youth, their families, and the communities that allow us in their homes is why I decided to complete the fellowship.”
How has Choice influenced your career path?
“I’ve always wanted to work with youth. Choice only heightened that passion and refined what, specifically, my strengths were. I plan to continue a career in counseling and peer mediation.”
What was something unexpected that you gained?
“I have to acknowledge that Choice provided me with an array of different skills that I expected to acquire, but one thing I gained from my year is a new sense to learn. Working with youth, we think it’s a narrow show on how to provide services, but Choice has taught me that you have to be able to pick up new strategies and remember to be flexible.”
Queued in my Netflix right now:
“A handful of shows. Right now I’m stuck on Grey’s Anatomy, but I switch over to HBO Go to watch Game of Thrones and Insecure.”
