The Ryse center grand opening was the happiest moment for me at Ryse. Being able to be apart of the original Ryse leadership team, I remember when we use to have our meeting in the empty building. I had a great experience to be apart in the creation of the Ryse logo and planning for many of its program. I remembering I use to be really scared to use the bathroom or walk around the empty center. They use to tell me that it was hunted, but now I feel really safe and happy whenever I’m at Ryse center. Through out the process, I have gained so much knowledge from workshop, and had made many friends. And getting to see the center open was really powerful and exciting.

It felt really good to reunite with the original team on that day. That was also the last time I seen Kyle perform. Kyle and T.I.M gave an awesome show to the community.

The Ryse center will always be special to me because, I got a chance to be apart of it and grow. Because of Ryse, many youths like myself got a chance to become leaders!