Conversation with Matthew Gonzalez
buildOn sits down with buildOn alumni Matthew Gonzalez to catch up and hear about how buildOn has prepared him for the next chapter of his life . . . college!
Matthew contributed nearly 400 hours of service during the 2008-2009 school year and was highlighted in our July e-blast as the buildOn member with the most hours of service.
buildOn: Matthew, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. How are you finding college?
Matthew: It’s been great. I am a freshman at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts and I have absolutely loved my time here. It has been really interesting but really tough as well. I am taking a writing class, a web-design class and a tutorial called Street Work, which explores how youth develop and grow in urban environments. I love it.
buildOn Program and Trek Coordinator Sahar Muradi, is an alumni of Hampshire and she was very helpful during my application process and supportive as I narrowed down my final schools for selection. I am so grateful to her and to buildOn because I have been drawing a lot on my buildOn experiences when writing assignments and during class discussions. It has been good to bring the buildOn experience into the classroom.
buildOn: It’s good to hear that your time with buildOn has helped you prepare for college.
Matthew: buildOn has helped me become better leader. The buildOn experience helped with social skills, and helped build my confidence and experience talking to groups. When I was President of buildOn at my high school, I frequently had to talk in front of people about service opportunities, global education and different activities. And when we traveled to build a school in Mali, buildOn gave me the experience of leaving my home, living on my own, and being my own individual.
buildOn: What does being a buildOn alumni mean to you?
Matthew: Being a buildOn alumni means I am part of a network of students that strives to bring change to their community, to their country and to their world. It means that I will encourage youth to make positive differences in their local communities and internationally. It means I am part of group of young people that take initiative to make positive change. All around the world. All over the country, not just in the Bronx or in Amherst, Massachusetts.
buildOn: You were buildOn’s Service Award Winner from last school year, with an amazing 400 hours of service, what advice do you have for current students who are trying to make a run at your title?
Matthew: Go for it! If I can do it, anyone can. I was a full time student, involved in the theatre program and applying for college, and I made time for service. buildOn staff has all the service opportunities organized for you, you just need to commit and be a consistent volunteer.
buildOn: What message do you want us to give to current buildOn students?
Matthew: Keep on going! Keep on doing what you are here to do! If you have the time, if you have the energy, if you have the will power - you should serve others! People out there need help and buildOn provides the perfect opportunity to give back. All you need to do is sign up, get there and you are making a difference in your community.
When you have the opportunity just take it. Live in the moment and don’t have regrets.