Isaiah – “Everybody calls me Zae” – is spending his second summer at Open Doors Academy. We spoke with him during a quiet moment of Cooking Camp.
“We’re learning about STEM,” he said. “You have to use math to get the measurements for the ingredients. You need science to know what you can mix together and how to make different tastes.”
Then he shared what he’s looking forward to most.
“I think tomorrow we’re making quesadillas.”
Zae recently completed eighth grade at Breakthrough Midtown and will attend Horizon Science Academy in Cleveland this fall. He’s been part of ODA’s afterschool program for several years.
“I really like ODA. It brings people together, and it’s a good environment to have fun and learn new things. And it helped me do my homework. There was a tutor in the classroom.”
And if someone was thinking about joining?
“If they want to have a new experience, meet new people, and learn something new, they should come join ODA.”
Some of the lessons he’s learned have gone beyond academics. When asked what stood out from last year’s summer camp experience, Zae didn’t mention a project or a field trip.
“Last year I learned how to communicate and express my feelings. Just talking with all the adults. They were there for me.”
Where did that happen?
“Everywhere. Just every day.”
