Presence creates trust
Jakobe: The Power of Showing Up
Darryl met Jakobe as a quiet ninth grader through the RISE mentoring program at Willis High School. They met twice each month for lunch, talked about grades and life, threw the football together, and built a relationship over four years.
Jakobe lost most of his freshman and sophomore football seasons to injuries. During his junior year, limited playing time tested his patience, yet he refused to complain about his coaches. Before his senior year, he moved from quarterback to defensive end. After one season at the position, he earned a full athletic scholarship to a college in Arkansas.
“I always knew you would be at my games.”
That was the part Jakobe remembered most. Consistent presence mattered—even when the stands were already filled with family members who loved him.
Identity shapes behavior
Gabe: “Mr. Darryl, I’m a Winner.”
During a youth employment and GED program, Gabe unexpectedly exploded in anger. Darryl moved the conversation into another room and chose to sit down so the moment would not feel threatening or confrontational.
After listening to Gabe’s frustration, Darryl told him, “Gabe, you’re a winner. I’m not giving up on you. We’ll get through this.”
A few weeks later, after completing the program and earning his GED, Gabe smiled and said, “Mr. Darryl, I’m a winner.”
Sometimes a young man borrows an adult’s belief in him until he learns to believe in himself.
Accountability protects dignity
Harold: Respect Changes Everything
Harold was participating in a Southern California GED program when he answered his phone during class and continued talking after being asked to step outside. Rather than embarrass him publicly or match his energy, Darryl took the conversation into the hallway.
The message was calm and direct: the classroom had to remain a place where everyone could learn, and accountability applied equally to every student.
Harold left upset but returned several days later. Soon afterward, Darryl learned privately that Harold had a need. Harold had not asked for help, but Darryl quietly met the need anyway.
Harold learned that the correction had not been about winning a confrontation. It had come from genuine care.
Firmness protected the classroom. Respect protected the relationship.
