R. Nishimoto - Changing the World One Teen at a Time

Take a ride with me.

Thinking caps...ON.

Think, anchorwoman, just for today, just because I want to pretend like I am one just for this one entry. Please?

Monica: (looks straight into the camera) Thank you, Kate.

In the Nonprofit Industry, Ryan Nishimoto, 24-year-old Chicagoan and dear friend of mine, is making a difference as a Crossroads4Kids Program Corps for C5 New England out in Boston. C5 Youth Foundation's mission is "to change the odds for high-potential youth from risk-filled environments, inspiring them to pursue personal success, and preparing them for leadership roles in college, work and their communities."

Check out this video Nishimoto made himself, to paint yourself a picture of what C5 New England is all about:


During an exclusive interview with Nishimoto (or, rather, an AIM conversation, one fine Friday evening), I quote:

"It's just...I mean, what other job do you get stressed about the most ridiculous things? Sure you get stressed as an accountant because your debits don't balance with your credits...or as a stock broker because the economy isn't giving you enough to pay off the rest of your jet skis. But this summer I got to stress about having enough food to last us a final day with 7 miles of hiking, or stressing and having myself at full def con 7 level because of a 13 person food poisoning in the middle of Nowhere, Wyoming, while I talk to parents, doctors, nurses, patients aka my teens and tell them not to worry or have the doctors tell me what to worry about...there aren't many places where you get the privilege of stressing about the important things (biiig inhale). And I love the teens, I get a text from a different one each day just saying 'Hello" or telling me something weird that happened to them that day. It's nice to be needed and it's nice to know that you have made an impact and it's really good to see their change and to see them know that all the time it was in them. And I don't think I could speak about a marketing firm or an accounting firm. And maybe that's selfish, but I'm okay with having a selfish need to help people."

Monica reporting to you live from Experience.com, NPC (Nonprofit Channel). Back to you, _______.

Pictured above: Nishimoto, while hiking in Paintrock, Wyoming (Summer '08)