Who: Matt Cepican, Program Director at Blue and Gold Academies
Years of Experience: 7 years with AYS
Favorite Color: Teal
Favorite Seasons: Spring and fall.
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with AYS?
A: For me, the most rewarding aspect of AYS is helping the kids succeed. Not just in school, but a multitude of things. I love being able to help them achieve their goals and realize it is okay to just be yourself. I try to show them it is okay to be different by being me. I tell them it is more fun to not be ‘normal’ and let your geek flag fly.
Q: What is the most memorable AYS story from your time here?
A: There have been on a multitude of adventures of great times since I started here at AYS. Most of my favorite memories have happened during summer, my favorite time at AYS. One of my favorite memories goes back to the summer of 2015. We had a bunch of leftover whipped cream from Pie in the Face. The kids wanted some of the staff to do it, and it eventually evolved into a full-fledged whipped cream war. We took it to the open field outside and the war began. All of the kids circled around us and were cheering us on. We were running around like kids, having a good time, shooting whipped cream at each other. The end result was us being very sticky and taking hand showers in the kitchen sinks. We were sticky and smelly the rest of the day, but the kids loved it. That is what AYS is all about.
Q: Why are the kids special?
A: The AYS kids are special to me because I have formed relationships with them all. I like to think that I am impacting them in a positive way. If I miss a day or go on break, it is always nice coming back to Blue and Gold Academies. The kids show how much they care about us every single time, and it is just a great feeling to come back to. The kids may drive me crazy some days, but I love them.