Congratulations to Phi Pham, April After School Trainer of the Month!

How long have you worked for The Leadership Program? This is my first year with Leadership.

One thing you may not know about me… I once ate 45 hot wings in one sitting.

What has been one of your most rewarding moments as a Leadership Trainer? There was a girl in one of my classes that had a lot of trouble getting along with others at the beginning of the semester, but by the end of the semester, she became a class favorite, telling stories in front of the class that she had written and leading groups in all kinds of activities. It was very rewarding seeing her transform from an antisocial student to a classroom leader.                             

What inspires you? I always get hyped from reading books, but especially from reading biographies. You have to have done great things to have books written about you. I also am inspired by social movements, which are usually run by the kids. Seeing how the youth can make such a huge difference in a community is really inspiring.

How do you rejuvenate yourself? I always feel rejuvenated from listening to music, but what’s even more rejuvenating is making music.

Who is a leader you look up to and why?  I have always looked up to both of my parents. My mother has always taught me the values of compassion and service to those who are not so fortunate. My father is a role model just from his work ethic alone. Growing up seeing him work 7 days a week has really taught me how to be a hard worker.                                                                                                                

What is one place you would love to travel?  I’ve always wanted to go the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. Bioluminescent bays contain this naturally occurring organism that lights up when you touch them. Tulum, Mexico is another place I would also like to visit.

What is one of your personal or professional goals this year?   Personally, I want work more on my DJ game, I kind have been unfocused in that part of my life. Check out www.facebook.com/phiunit for some of my mixes and remixes. Professionally, I am just trying to learn as much as possible and make sure every experience is a learning experience.                                                               

What do you hope your students will take from their experience in your club this year?  For my students, I just hope they all leave the club knowing that once they are able to step out of their comfort zone, great things can happen.

What is your favorite quote?  There are so many quotes I live by, but here are two that have been lingering in my mind for the last few months:

“N.O.N.C.A.T. Not one negative comment action or thought” – Dam Funk

“Vision without execution is a figment of the imagination”