They did very well on their own. There were just a couple of calls to my cell phone.

These kids have high grades, good technical and interpersonal skills. They are reliable. They follow through. They are self-driven kids. The teachers are thrilled to have their help.

When they enter seventh grade, they are dispersed throughout the school so that there are mentors in every classroom.

If you mess up, don't worry. Just keep going.

Not going home is already like death.

I'm competitive with myself, and that goes hand in hand with how I present myself. I'm not only trying to put one foot in front of the other, I'm trying to put my best foot forward.