"You have time to do what you make time to do," is Shawn Gardner's philosophy. Gardner makes time to volunteer for the I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County. He tutors students three afternoons a week at Angevine Middle School, and he also spends time on weekends mentoring Victor, one of the students.

Gardner graduated recently from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a degree in electrical and computer engineering, and he currently works as a programmer for a company in Boulder. His ambition is to pursue a doctorate of philosophy in Mathematics. He took a year off during his studies and found the IHAD volunteer opportunity on the internet. His work with Victor started in 2nd grade at Sanchez Elementary, and he has followed him into middle school. He hopes to stay with him through high school.

The IHAD foundation adopts groups of students from elementary schools and works with them through high school. Each student who graduates from the program receives a four-year tuition assisted scholarship. Thanks to dedicated volunteers like Gardner the program doubled expected graduation rates for its first two graduating classes.

Elyana Cohen, a project coordinator with IHAD, described Gardner as "a quiet leader who is helpful, always dependable and generous with his time. He is very patient and flexible. He is an excellent role model for the kids as he is smart, motivated, and fun for them to be with." She said Gardner is a good match for Victor as he is also quiet, and Gardner is able to bring out his potential.

"Victor can be very funny, and has a dry sense of humor." Gardner said. "His confidence has really improved since we have been working together, so now we are focusing on academics more, especially homework." Gardner has introduced an incentive program to help Victor improve organization, and actually hand in the homework he completes. Victor earns points, and the reward is dinner with Gardner.

They often go down to Denver so Victor can broaden his experiences and try different foods and tastes. "He was very skeptical about trying noodles, but ended up liking them!" Gardner said. They have also gone to museums and plays, and Gardner notes that "Victor finds things more interesting as he gets older, and his curiosity has gone up."

"I like working with kids; people describe me as a big kid." Gardner said. "They are full of life and enthusiasm. I like to watch them over time, and know I've had some impact. I like to see them make a better life for themselves."

For information about volunteering with I Have a Dream Foundation or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.