Preparation for a Purpose

Summer camps remain one of Antwain Flowers' fondest childhood memories.

"I can still remember the teachers and counselors who poured into me - the ones who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself," said Flowers, who graduated from the College of Education and Human Development's (CEHD) human services program in 2005. "They didn't just supervise, they inspired. They created spaces where I felt safe, challenged and valued."

Now, as director of youth development and the Above Xpectations track team at West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington, Flowers is inspiring and mentoring a new generation of young people in his hometown.

Beyond the classroom walls

When Flowers began his coursework as a UD undergraduate, he wasn't exactly sure what career path he would follow. But he knew that he wanted to support young people, just as his teachers and camp counselors had supported him. This desire to serve his community led him to CEHD.

"As I grew, I realized I wanted to make an impact beyond the classroom walls," Flowers said. "I wanted to help shape environments, programs and opportunities that support the whole child - academically, socially and emotionally."

In his CEHD coursework, Flowers found a strong commitment to community engagement. In fact, one of his favorite UD memories was completing a community change project, which challenged him to identify a real problem in his community or on campus and develop a solution.