Marie McFadden
A Reason to Come to Work
I first met Michael in late Spring 2003 following a tumultuous turn over of staff that occurred at OPP. Michael was then enrolled as a youth reporter in Echoes from the Street Youth Newspaper. He was deeply affected by the staff turnover since he had developed a close working relationship with the Echoes’ editor who was like a big brother to him. You see, Michael had been in the foster care system for years and this loss felt like bad times all over again to him. Resenting the staff turnover, Michael was angry and sullen and appeared to sabotaging all efforts to complete the Spring edition of Echoes News, in spite of the fact that he had worked very hard to develop and write news reports and stories for that edition.
Giving Up
Distracted and on the verge of quitting, Michael managed to hang in there just long enough to complete his stories, get his byline in the paper and see the printed edition . Michael told me he doubted that he would return to OPP in the fall because of the staff changes and his sense of loss. I watched Michael as he waited for the bus across the street that afternoon, head down and sort of mumbling to himself anticipating his summer visit with his mother. I was concerned that Michael and OPP were parting ways and that he was leaving in such a negative, angry frame of mind.
Finding Himself
The next Fall, Michael did return to OPP deciding to enroll in OPP’s Crunchtime Youth Music Recording youth business. It was there that Michael found his place. With his love for hip hop music, technical studio equipment, and the great staff at the recording studio, he found a place to channel his passion for music, develop technical skills and build new relationships. It is also a place to learn about teamwork and preparing for life and work. He continued participating in Crunchtime over the next few years, but it was not all smooth sailing.
Growing Pains
Over the next few years, Michael continued coming to Crunchtime after school regularly. It was bumpy on more than a few occasions because Michael was struggling with overcoming a bad attitude and managing peer relationships. During one particularly difficult rough patch, Michael was asked to leave the program or change his ways. After really thoughtful consideration of the choices and alternatives available to him, Michael made an important decision to take charge of his own future and it was then that a different young man began to emerge.
Realizing Dreams
In summer 2006, Michael was employed by OPP as the Youth Assistant at Crunchtime. You see, he had graduated from being a participant to become a youth leader/role model in the youth business. More importantly, Michael had completed high school and was accepted at Curry College in Massachusetts. He plans on completing his college education and becoming a Music Therapist. He intends to help kids who are struggling to get a foothold on life. We have every reason to believe that he will achieve his dreams and believe that he is a powerful example of what every young person, offered persistent help and consistent messages, has the potential to achieve. You have only to look at his photo, now on the cover of our Annual Report, to see the light in his eyes and the warm smile on his face.
On days when I don’t feel like coming to work, I think about Michael.
