Story

Kendarius Ivey

My participation in the program allowed me to become closer with many of my peers and exposed me to opportunities I would have otherwise never experienced. The Bridge Builders helped me through my grief and extinguished my growing cynicism and self-doubt.

 

Why did you attend the program?

In all honesty, I joined Bridge Builders for something else to do during my sophomore year in high school. However, I experienced a loss in December of 2017 that shook my faith and seeded it with doubt. Bridge Builders served as a place for me to cope with that loss without having to talk about it.

 

How was your experience during the event? 

The Bridge Builder program was very welcoming and gave many students a place to share while also encouraging faith and scholarship.

 

What were some of the changes you noticed after? 

My participation in the program allowed me to become closer with many of my peers and exposed me to opportunities I would have otherwise never experienced. The Bridge Builders helped me through my grief and extinguished my growing cynicism and self-doubt.

 

What did you learn about yourself, the world, or ministry at this time?

During my time in the program, I realized that despite what we see in the media there are good people in the world that care. 

 

Do you feel better equipped for the future after attending? 

I do feel better equipped for the future before me. Thanks to Bridge Builders I have been given perspective and general people skills I was sorely lacking.

 

How have you engaged in ministry since the program, or how do you plan to be engaged in ministry in the future? 

Since the program, I have served as a guest speaker at many youth programs and church services, as well as worked to rebuild the community service organization I co-founded in high school. 

 

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to attend?

DO IT! The people at Bridge Builder's Tuskegee care and there is something there for everyone.

Hannah Castano
Kirkland, WA
Eric Johnson
St. Peter, MN
Emmanuel Garcia
San Antonio, TX
Reverend Elizabeth Pollard
Atlanta, GA
JaMyia McNeil
Tuskegee, AL