By Curt Yagi, Executive Director
The year was 1998 and I received an email from an organization called Real Options for City Kids, or ROCK, indicating that they were looking for volunteers for their Saturday sports program for children. While I had never done anything like this before, I thought I would give it a try. The night before my first volunteering experience, I was nervous since I had no experience working with kids. Were they going to like me? Was I going to make a positive difference? I arrived at the gymnasium where programs were held and my anxiety grew. I could hear my heart beating louder and louder with each step I took toward the main entrance. I made my way through the front door and was surprised to see so many kids running around with smiles on their faces. The energy was contagious and before I knew it, I was
running around with the kids having the time of my life. Gone were the nerves and questions that were plaguing me. I felt right at home and knew that I had just stumbled upon something truly special.
It has been almost 12 years since I first experienced ROCK and over six years since I transitioned from the corporate world into the Executive Directorship for the organization. Gone are the days of donning my best business wear as I ride the bus to my corporate job in downtown San Francisco. I have never looked back, nor think I ever will. This is the perfect job for my personality and I feel privileged to be a part of something so positively impactful. I love the fact that I can one day manage ROCK from a strategic level and the next day visit programs to get to know our kids.
I can’t wait to see what the next several years brings. ROCK has big plans!
Tags: at-risk kids, curt yagi, nonprofit, real options for city kids, rock, san francisco, youth
