Taylor MAZE

I had no clue, when I entered the campgrounds of my first summer impact camp, that Choosing 2 Excel, these principles and these people would have such an impact on my life. This organization has given me my best friends, personal and professional development, and support. The experiences I have had here are fond ones that I carry with me.

Through my involvement with Choosing to Excel, I was able to strengthen my character and hone my artistic abilities. I held many positions within the program and each position empowered me to be an advocate for myself and for others. I’ve taken that with me on my journey as a gymnastics coach, mother, and wife. There is nothing I care more about than the wellbeing of the person next to me.

As dance instructor for several years, I poured my heart and personality into every dance routine I taught my campers, focusing on being active and having fun. Each student had importance to me, and I made sure that once they entered my dance room they knew that. I gave my all to them, finding new teaching techniques to pique the interest of students who didn’t typically enjoy dance, and keeping up with the trends that my kids would enjoy. I worked to make their camp experience enjoyable, but them trusting and dancing alongside me, warmed my heart in a way they will never understand.

One thing I’ve learned is that you have to go above and beyond in the work that you provide people. I’ve seen this in the way the Leadership Team pulls a skit or presentation day together. I’ve witnessed it in the way camp counselors come together to make the summer impact camp happen. I’ve seen it in the way Mrs. Moton loves on every child she encounters and the work she does behind closed doors. I’ve done it in the way I taught dance, led the Leadership Team, and raise my own kids. I maintain my commitment to my family, my job, and more, because of the commitment this organization maintained with me.

This organization helped to create this loud, tenacious, rhythmic, creative woman that I am. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Journalism at The University of North Texas. I am a mom to two beautiful baby girls and a wife to my husband, Julian.

KENNEDI CARRUTH

Choosing to Excel impacted me early on through the Summer Impact program and Leadership Team. Not only has the program shown me how to work in a team setting, but also how to properly plan events, effectively lead those around me, and what compassion looks like on a day to day basis. Growing these skills early in adolescence has given me an advantage others may not have been exposed to.

I am most grateful for the values of C2E that have helped further grow my own. “Keeping the end in mind” has been an ongoing reminder and motivator to always think ahead and seek opportunities that are the best for myself. C2E has also given me a strong group of like-minded individuals that will forever be bonded by our work & experience through Choosing to Excel. What once was a leadership team, is now a supportive family for years to come.

The starfish story is a story I carry with me each day. Knowing if I can impact just one life, then I am making a difference. Many times we go through life forgetting how important our efforts are, but the starfish story has always reminded me it is not taken for granted.

Today I am the Administrative Team Lead for Pediatrics Plus. Managing their preschool, therapy services, and applied behavior analysis program for children 6 weeks to 18 years of age. Each day I wake up fighting for our own starfish and giving them the tools to conquer their world.

HADIYAH CUMMINGS

Who could have imagined that beginning my journey with Excel programs as a summer camper, participating in GEMS and EYE Club, and ultimately joining the Leadership Team would prepare me for this phase of my life? I graduated from Howard University and Yale, and I am currently practicing law.

For this and many more reasons, I am beyond grateful for my Choosing to Excel family! We were ALWAYS challenged to “Keep the End In Mind