Know a deserving young adult who should be one of the ABC7 Cool Kids? Share their story and nominate someone today.
"I had fairly good grades. I was, you know, ranked number one," said Roger. "But I felt I had something to offer, I could help these people understand their work better, get better grades. It's really -- offer something back."
Many people volunteer through community organizations. In this case, Roger saw a need and wanted to help on his own.
"But I think if I can just go out personally, and develop my own relationship with a volunteer service and over time just really create a bond with these people, it's a lot more rewarding," said Roger. "And it is nice to see these kids succeed."
Not only does he have the desire to help, people see that Roger has the personality that is perfect for these students.
"He's really patient with the children, and he works with them. So it's not like he just looks at the problem and says, 'This is the answer, don't you see that?' He helps them to understand," said library assistant Patricia Heineman
Although the assignments can be difficult, Roger sees that his students get that breakthrough moment.
"At first they've hit this roadblock, and they're kind of there saying, 'Help me, I don't understand it.' But after they understand it, and, 'You know what? I don't need your help anymore.'" said Roger. "Yeah, they don't need my help, but it's great to see they can take it on on their own."
Filling young minds as he fills a need in his neighborhood, he is our Cool Kid, Roger Chen.
Know a deserving young adult who should be one of the ABC7 Cool Kids? Share their story and nominate someone today.