My first job out of college, HYPA was a non-profit, community based organization that created and managed after-school and summer programs for junior high school students in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. As a creative writing instructor, I created and implemented a curriculum based on reading, writing and self expression. The children wrote and produced a newsletter that was distributed in the community. I also coached the basketball team, and, I'm not saying I'm the reason one of my students went on to make the Puerto Rican national team and play in the 2008 Olympic Games, I'm just saying.