Nick: The Decon Man

Nick is a bright young man who couldn’t find his way in public education. Despite his success in, and enthusiasm for, English and History, Nick didn’t feel appreciated and dropped out of 12 th grade just four credits shy of graduating. For a year and a half, he stayed out of trouble, worked hard in a supermarket produce department, and dreamed of bigger things.

As soon as he heard about ReCycle North’s YouthBuild program, he applied: “YouthBuild was a door of opportunity and I opened it.” As a lifelong Burlington resident, the 21-year old had been unable to connect to resources in high school but had the good fortune of having a supportive family.

Nick thrived in YouthBuild and got his life solidly on track. According to Nick, “YouthBuild is a caring place where everybody is there for each other. You definitely feel welcomed."

As of June 2006 , Nick is a member of ReCycle North's Deconstruction Crew. He recently received an Excellence Award for his help in coordinating an EPA training to promote deconstruction and building material reuse.