Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program – 25th Anniversary Essay Contest
High School Third Place
by Nora Isaac
Being in the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program has inspired me. I love helping the little kids learn. I feel so good inside when they finally understand what they are learning. They are always so proud of their work.
Seeing their enjoyment in their class has made me want to be more joyful in my own classes. I seem to be trying harder, and my grades seem to be creeping higher too. I am certainly becoming a better student. My dad also seems to trust me a little bit more. He says being in the program is making me more responsible.
I look forward to going to the elementary school every day. I actually enjoy coming to school because I know that’s where I’m going at the end of the day. It’s very fun, and it is helping me in unimaginable ways. I didn’t think I was that great a person until I joined the program.
The kids look up to me. So I’m always trying my best to be a good role model to them. I’m trying to keep my attitude in check more and more so I don’t become a bad influence. I also notice that the kid’s attitudes are changing for the better too. Their grades and the way they interact with each other are really improving.
This program is a win-win situation. I have fun, and so do the kids. And getting paid is just another bonus. This program should be in every school all over the world. It motivates every student involved to have higher self esteem and to get a better education. I believe that if every kid had a tutor, they would most likely want to go to collage and become good people for their communities. I love the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program.