Jirkita Muhammadu – Brooklyn School for Global Studies, 2008
Skateboarding

Have you ever felt you would rather study a field of your own choosing? Let’s propose parkour training or glassblowing? How about ballet or ice-skating? Well, with the WISE program, any subject of your choosing is possible. Why not go out with a bang? What most intrigues you about life? Let WISE help you turn it into an “Exit Project.”

The WISE Team came to our school at the start of our final semester in 2008. It was apparent that all the staff was just as elated as we were. After a very informative introduction, we were allowed a suitable time to pick our topics and mentors. Think. Who is your favorite teacher? The Math instructor? English? History? Or maybe it’s the principal.

Mentor choice is an important aspect of WISE. It may not seem so, but friendships may build from this choice. At first I wanted to choose my favorite teacher, but it turned out that my best friend had already chosen her. I was so upset, but then my good friend and math instructor proposed himself as my mentor. I knew we were bound for success because one-year prior, he and I founded the Global Skate Team at our school. With a history like that, there was no way we could fail. With his help I chose the topic of skateboarding, our passion. We discussed it, and I decided to explore the physical and economic aspects of the skating life. Our first step as a team was to get an internship where I could learn, hands on, everything to do with skateboarding.

Together, he and I got on our boards and hit the first spot we knew of—“HOMAGE SKATESHOP.” We rode up, approached the shop owner and told him about WISE. He loved the idea and said it was no problem, although I had to come back for an interview! The interview was a week later, so I had time to prepare myself. My mentor just kept saying, “Be cool man, you’re a shoe in. You have to get it.” Other people told me things like, “Dress nice. Always look him in the eyes when you’re talking. Don’t give him a headache though.” Well the interview date came. I rode up there in Khakis, a smooth button down and some classic Adidas skate shoes. Crisp. Man, I walked around like I was already hired. The shop team was already comfortable with me because I had always shown love in my previous visits. It just felt like I was to step up in the ranks of Homage.

I came back after the interview and told my mentor that I was to start two weeks from that date. My hours were amazing: four hours after school, except Monday, and five hours Saturday and Sunday. He congratulated me and told me to go get a journal. I had been writing my journal entries in a composition notebook, yet I was complaining that I wanted something cooler to write in. He said that I needed to make that move. So I went to Barnes and Noble with my best friend and, together, we picked out a journal and discussed our experiences in the program so far. Our discussions became a ritual; WISE is so cool.

At the time, I did not realize interning would be so much work. I would be in school all day, eat, and then it was off to Homage. It might not sound like much but, when you’re 16, that’s not a lot of time left for socializing. It did, however, open up doors to economics. I started to understand the trends and tendencies of shoppers. I could tell what day would be the most profitable and why. Little things I didn’t know soon became apparent. In working for Homage, I gained more responsibility. If a task in the shop was linked to my name, I had to complete it. If not then there was a “crink” in our progressive little circle. Working is a great life lesson.

All the work I did was recorded and credited by photo, video and in my journal. The work was rewarding. I participated in a skating contest and I was also rewarded with boards, sneakers and clothing. Work really does pay. But even with all the “riches,” I couldn’t forget the education I was there to receive.

After the long hours of school and work, I would go home to focus on the rest of my project by studying the laws of physics, putting them to the test with my skills on the board. In school I was allowed to do the same during lunch. Study, Skate, Study, Work, Skate. I was enthralled at how much learning kept me busy. The experience was amazing. Through my WISE experience, I did and learned things I probably would have never touched on with a normal school experience. The biggest thing was the presentation. I had to summon a great deal of courage to complete that part of the program. It was quite a feat for some seniors to have to sit in front of a “judgment panel” (as those of us participating liked to call it) but during the performances that we worked so hard during the year to prepare for, we switched from being timid students to master presenters. WISE made us ready and comfortable for the part of life that wills us to bring out our best, to captivate the minds of others and prove to them we can achieve.

WISE improved my confidence. I went to college feeling I can do anything; I felt as though there always is a “WISE” way to do the things I have to accomplish. Also, I now have this uncanny ability to speak to anyone, anywhere and anytime. Fear of evaluation left me in that room as Vic and the rest of the “judgment panel” helped me to soar and become the man I am today. I thank WISE and all they have allowed me to teach myself, for without my WISE family, I would not be wise myself.