My experience meeting Barack Obama was a once in a life time opportunity. He is an intelligent and funny gentleman. Barack and I painted the Sasha Bruce Homeless shelter lockers and walls. I didn’t think I would ever in a lifetime meet one of our Presidents.
It was so much fun, also showed me good life skills. You never know who you’re going to meet and what great opportunities you have to work with people. Barack Obama is really serious about his work. I thought people working in these large political environments were up-tight, but he showed me otherwise.
Obama and Sasha Bruce YouthBuild showed me it doesn’t hurt to help your brothers and sisters out. Also showed me I could meet anybody I really wanted to. It was a wonderful experience working with the man who made history. “Yes we can” was the quote of Barack Obama and yes we did paint a place where some child could be comfortable.
Knowing that I painted the walls of Sasha Bruce homeless shelter with our 44th President is an unforgettable memory. I could live on for the rest of my life telling people about the experience that I have had, that some people will never get.
— Temekia Whitaker, SBY YouthBuild student, February 5, 2009