Two Weeks Into The Program...

So let me introduce you to some more people involved in the program, and update you on some of the latest drama...

Mr. Ruiz...the electrical guru...Mr. Ruiz is head of the Photovoltaic department at the East L.A. Skills Center...excellent teacher, semi-genius...this dude knows something about everything!

Thaddeus Skiles...top student in the advanced class...fresh out of prison, lives in a behavioral modification program, and really trying to turn his life around.

 Humberto Aguilar...class clown.  Also fresh out of prison and trying to change his life through this program.

 Good ol' Jack Clopton...he's an addict in recovery trying to find a new start, something fresh...he also has been recently diagnosed with cancer...how will this affect Jack's performance at school?  We will find out in the next few weeks.

 Kamilah Pia Burns...young Pia, the one and only female in the advanced class...this has been a struggle for her from the beginning...it hasn't gotten any easier...recovering addict, single mom trying to re-establish her parental rights, student...quite a full plate for this young woman.

Salim Torres...one of the late additions to the Homeboy Industries roster...really intelligent...one of the shining stars in the program.

 Mike Ramirez...this guy goes from shining star to problem child on a daily basis...I got a story about this guy at Mc Donald's that will trip you out...next post, I promise.

 Elias Vaden...he's disappeared without a trace...we were really hopeful about this guy...he came one day and then poof! disappeared!  Where in the world is Elias?!?!

 Damien Ramirez...we put Damien in Elias' spot...young kid, the attendance is already spotty...we'll see how he turns out.

And finally, Ronnie O.  The cops went looking for him at his house on Friday...today is Monday, and he didn't show...