Q: What were you struggling with before you started the IPS program?
A:
I was struggling with getting along with people I didn't know. I was struggling with talking to people I didn't know. While in IPS I made friendships with complete strangers from different parts of Philly. IPS is great!
Q: Is there anything about your past that you want to share that has contributed to your struggles?
A:
I grew up around a lot of bad people and they did a lot of bad things, and that was normal. It was normal to me. It was just how I grew up.
Q: How has CORA's IPS program helped you overcome these struggles?
A:
It helped me understand that some of that bad stuff is really bad and that I shouldn't do that. IPS was a wake-up call. It told me to get myself together.
Q: What are some of your goals in life?
A:
To either be drafted in the NFL or become an FBI Agent.
Q: How has CORA's IPS program helped you recognize those goals and work towards them?
A:
It helped me understand that there are good jobs out here, better than doing illegal stuff.
Q: Tell me about your favorite memory in the IPS program.
A:
When we went boxing. I had never been to a boxing gym before.
Q: What is your favorite part of IPS?
A:
The check-ins - having someone check up on you.
Q: What is one thing you didn't expect about IPS?
A:
That people went through stuff that I went through. I thought it was just a bunch of kids forced into it by their parents.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you learned from being part of the IPS group?
A:
There is more to life. There is more to life than just living in the moment. There's a future.
Q: How have your counselors and case managers helped you during your time in the IPS program?
A:
Ms. Kaitlin- Has fueled my sassy-ness. Every time I talk one on one with Ms. Kaitlin we always end up laughing.
Ms. Gabby- She matches my cool, calm and collected-ness.
Ms. Erin- Always sets herself up for jokes.
Ms. Lindsay- Showed me that there are really people out here that are higher up that take the time to care about us.
Ms. Petra- She is the energy that fuels my goofiness. And fellow Brooklyn -99'er.
IPS is helping me get my driver's license and a job.
Q: Last thoughts on what IPS staff has taught you/ shown you:
A:
That white people actually care about other colors.
