Introduction

Hello, everyone. My name is Bradley Troast and I am the new Assistant Program Coordinator here at Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection. Cabrini Connections is a grassroots non-profit organization that provides quality tutoring and mentoring to educationally disadvantaged youth living in the Cabrini Green area of Chicago. The Tutor/Mentor Connection provides an organized framework that empowers and encourages the creation of life-changing solutions for children in educationally and economically disadvantaged areas.

I am very excited about the upcoming year and I look forward to making a difference in the lives of many. My one-year fellowship is established by the Northwestern University Public Interest Program, a program that helps train a new generation of leaders for social change through public interest work. I am the successor to two other fellows at this site, Nicole White in 2007-2008 and Chris Warren in 2008-2009. Nicole still works for the Tutor/Mentor Connection as the Research and Networking Coordinator. Chris is moving on to work for a non-profit school in Guatemala. I would like to thank Chris for all his help during my transition and I welcome any of you who may have been following his blog. From all accounts, he did a fantastic job this past year. I have big shoes to fill!

A little more about me... I graduated from Northwestern University in June with a degree in Communication. I began my studies in the Honors Program in Engineering and Journalism, transferred to the Department of Radio/Television/Film in the spring of my freshman year, and added a concentration in Communication Studies to begin my junior year. That seemingly arbitrary combination leaves me with a major in Interdepartmental Studies. The way I always describe it is that I created my own major... as I went along. All in all, it worked out for the best and I am confident that I will always look back fondly on my time at Northwestern.

As far as community involvement, I have always taken an interest in social issues and volunteered my time in different capacities. My most rewarding experiences came as a member of Northwestern Community Development Corps (NCDC), a student-run organization that seeks to engage students in community development at NU, in Evanston, and throughout Chicago. Utilizing existing skills, talents, and abilities, NCDC strives to build mutually beneficial relationships, enriching both the campus and the surrounding communities.

I was involved with NCDC for all four years at NU (as co-chair in my senior year) and, during that time, I was witness to countless accomplishments. My experience with NCDC and other civic engagement groups has inspired me to continually work for social change throughout my life. That is why I am thankful to be working for two more great organizations now, Cabrini Connections and the Tutor/Mentor Connection. They already do incredible work, but I know that even more can be done and hopefully my contributions will help facilitate that advancement. Thanks so much for reading and please stay tuned!