Organization: Year Up

A powerful second reaction to the recent violence in the Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston, Sergio's story follows his acceptance as a young man of violence. Because of the death of very close friend and role model, Sergio learned to "cherish life" and has become closer to his friends.

This story incorporates video clips, audio sounds, and his own personal narrative about growing on the streets of Roxbury. Rob reflects on his connections to the recently increased violence from Warren St to Humboldt Ave, after the well publicized death of Jahmol Norfleet, a former gang member killed while he tried to start a truce. Unfortunately, he knew several men killed recently through neighborhood basketball games and school, but he realizes he needs to focus on school and work in order to "leave the streets alone."

An original story written by the creator of Year Up, Gerald Chertavian. It relates his experience as a long-time Big Brother and his progression to create the Year Up organization. This story is an excellent example of the potential of how the story of the origin of a non-profit can be used as a tool for organizing, outreach, and fundraising.

Karl created a story to relate an experience getting some very personal advice from a good friend Danny. It includes some great audio mixing around a reenactment of the phone conversation where Danny encourages him to take his music and life seriously. Although he didn't know it at the time, it would be the last time Karl would speak to Danny; and Danny's advice gained immediate importance in Karl's life plan as an rap artist, production company owner, and college student.

A tribute to her "father, aka Grampa," Major E. Brooks, Jade's story varies in narrative and lyrical style, dramatically interwoven between the music and lyrics by her Grampa himself and The Sophomores. This story reflects on his role in her life as a father figure, and how her family is coping his death through remembrance and prayer.

"Have you ever thought that having two mothers is better than having just one?" Fredy reflects on the role his older sister Angelica played as a mother figure in his youth and how his life changed when he was reunited with his biological mother. Although he was often confused as a youth about the whereabouts of his mother, he realizes as an adult that both his sister and mother played different roles in supporting him both emotionally and financially. This story incorporates some insightful reflections around motherhood and incorporates a plethora of personal photographs.

A digital story that includes several different voices, with both male and female perspectives on the most polite and charming way for a guy to approach a woman. It's an interesting approach to reflecting on the beginning of a relationship and the gender roles of teenagers.

Carlos describes the day his mother was involved in a serious car accident, on the day before his Christmas vacation. This heartfelt story contains not only his strong reaction and anger around the event, but also a reflection of his mother as a "good person."

Alex tells the story of his transformation from a nameless, unmotivated student to peer leader and Boston University scholarship recipient, all by finding the right school for him, Fenway High Pilot School. He describes why the new school was a better environment for him, because of individual attention and the realization that "change is possible."

A story about a personal incident of "drama" that almost led to violence that spurned Ada to change the way she approaches life, especially avoiding "obstacles that contain a negative impact."