 FAST FACTS
Name: Kirill Grishin
Age: 18-years-old
From: Minsk, Belarus, a republic between Poland and Russia. Kirill came to Canada with his mother and sister in 2003.
Special Skills: Speaks English, Belarusian and Russian
What brought you to the Youth LIVE program?
The quality-of-life where I’m from wasn’t good. There are a lot of gangs, crime, lower paid jobs and poverty. Minsk is a large city, 4-5 times the size of Halifax. If school wasn’t working out for you and you weren’t going to go on to university and become successful the only other alternative was crime. There was no in between.
School was difficult for me and my math skills were really poor. When I came to Halifax and entered Grade 5, it was a completely different way of learning but I found that the classroom setting didn’t work for me. I left school in 2008 and haven’t looked at returning. I was referred to Youth LIVE by a friend. I was having issues at home and wanted to move out. I had been looking for work and put in resumes at a number of places, but didn’t hear back from anyone. I called Youth LIVE and the process for getting an interview was fairly simple. I successfully completed the interview and then got a call to start in January 2011.
What were your expectations of Youth LIVE?
Upon entering the Youth LIVE program, I didn’t really have high expectations. I was just looking for something that gives people another chance. I didn’t think there was much for me to learn, but I was wrong about that. I learned how to get and stay motivated. When the clock rings in the morning, I jump up. That’s never happened to me before. The work is not always fun but I stay motivated because I don’t want to go back to the way things were before.
What are your most memorable moments at Youth LIVE?
One Saturday working with Team Leaders Jeff and Richard, I was assigned to basically lead the crew that day. I kept everyone going with little or no direction from the team leaders. I was proud of how natural it was for me and that I did well.
It may seem strange but another memorable moment was when I tipped over a pallet of beer one day while working in the depot. I felt really stupid for doing it. The staff handled it well. They make the work fun. I reflected after this and normally would have been really hard on myself but I realized it was a mistake and that I probably couldn’t have stopped it from happening.
What do you like best about Youth LIVE?
I like that the program gives people a chance and the help we get with our resume and job search. There are nothing but benefits here. My resume wasn’t that good before, but I will leave Youth LIVE with a good resume, a reference and a portfolio.
What have you learned from being a Youth LIVE participant?
The main thing I learned from Youth LIVE is how to be motivated. I can keep myself going based on knowing how much I am accomplishing here and what I can take with me. I like the leadership opportunities too. You get a chance to learn skills by helping new people.
How has Youth LIVE impacted/changed your life?
This program has positively impacted me. I think all the time about where I’d be if I hadn’t come here. I’m definitely a happier person.
Has Youth LIVE helped you in achieving your future goals?
My plan is to do my GED in the summer and then join the Army. Youth LIVE has helped by providing an opportunity for me to get used to a schedule and giving me responsibility.
What’s the one thing you’d like people to know about Youth LIVE?
One thing I’d like people to know about Youth LIVE is that everything isn’t always like it seems. The people here are good and everyone is different. Don’t make assumptions
about Youth LIVE or the people involved with the
program.
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