Youthbuild Testimonial from Edwin Espinoza
Testimonial by Edwin Espinoza, a young adult in the CDCB Youthbuild program:
Edwin Espinoza, Age 20
YouthBuild is an educational program that helps young adults change their lives for the better. As young adults, we make bad decisions. It is because of bad decisions that we have dropped out of school. YouthBuild has provided me with a second chance to obtain my G.E.D., leadership training, and a sense of appreciation for what I have.
After dropping out of school, I realized the importance of an education. YouthBuild allowed me to pursue my goal of getting my G.E.D. I plan to become a coach in the future. To become a coach, I need to go to college. In order for me to enroll in college I need my G.E.D.
YouthBuild has given me something that I had never even thought of prior to enlisting in this program, leadership training. Before YouthBuild, I never saw myself as a leader. The negative comments from family, teachers, and principles forced me to see myself as a quitter. Thanks to YouthBuild I realized my leadership skills. By being punctual, rarely absent, and by taking the initiative on all assigned tasks (in class or on site), I have learned that I possess the skills to lead.
The most important thing that YouthBuild has taught me is the sense of appreciation. Prior to YouthBuild, I took most things for granted. Since then, I have learned to appreciate the little things in life. Today I appreciate everything that I have.
YouthBuild has changed my life and it has given me the opportunity to rethink my future. I plan to get my G.E.D., enroll in college, and become a high school coach. Thanks to YouthBuild my future looks brighter than ever.
