I faced some challenges in my life that made it hard for me to control my temper. But I found a caring adult in my school who saw beyond my anger to the smart, funny person I really am. He helped me recognize the power of positive interaction and the impact of making other people smile and laugh. Now I’m more outgoing, and I hope to become either an NBA player or a mechanical engineer.
Find out what I’m made of. Click on the items below to explore my portrait, and hover over the left navigation for more of my story.
I've played basketball for over three years. I love the sport and practice at my neighborhood court as often as I can. I dream of playing for an NBA team when I grow up.
I have a passion for mechanical engineering. I love working with my hands and the fulfillment of building and innovating.
I take great pride in looking fly. I have a vibrant personality that shows through in my fashion. I love being one of the few people who can pull off wearing lots of bold colors at once.
Communities In Schools is always there for me whenever I need basic supplies, like a new toothbrush, deodorant or backpack.
My site coordinator introduced me to the food pantry. I always made sure to bring home snacks not only for me but for my family, too.
Angelo is a sophomore at Cardozo High School in Washington, DC. He has dealt with anger issues stemming from his home life, but site coordinator Diogenin Matos saw beyond Angelo’s anger to the bright, smiling, funny young man he truly is. He helped Angelo recognize the power of positive interaction and the impact of making other people smile and laugh. Now, Angelo has an outgoing personality and hopes to become either an NBA player or mechanical engineer.
I am street smart and school smart. I can go out on the street and find a meal for myself, but with school smarts I can provide for my whole family.
of at-risk youth report they never had an adult mentor of any kind while they were growing up. Bruce & Bridgeland, 2014
My first year at Cardozo [high school] I had issues with other students because I was small, and they kept picking on me. I’d shut down and do nothing, no words, just sit there. Bullying is a big problem.
My style is fly. I mix lots of bold colors that other people wouldn’t think to mix.
That it’s ok to ask for help when you need it.
We made a robot out of Legos that looked like a spider. It had four legs on each side and could move.
Even though I’ve had some rough patches, there’s been more positive than negative in my life.
Even though I’ve had some rough patches, there’s been more positive than negative in my life.
I like being part of a team at school. I’ve been playing basketball for three or four years, it’s a good reason to go outside when I’m home. Our team is the Owls. My jersey is purple and white and I’m number 12. I play different positions.
My superhero name would be Fly Guy. I’d be able to fly, but I’d also look really fly.
