Takara and Regina: Being Present
Welcome back to the POP QUIZ! This is a regular, yet totally unexpected, feature where we ask students, parents, staff, our friends, and partners to answer a few questions about what they are learning, reading, and thinking about. Today we feature Takara Julian and her mother Regina Miller. Takara is a 10th grader, attending Kalamazoo Central High School.
We met up with both Takara and Regina this winter to discuss what “being present” means to them and how CIS is present for them.
[Takara and Regina are also featured in the CIS Newsletter, Winter 2025, that recently came out. You can read the full story here.]
Alright, ladies: pencils out and good luck.
Takara’s Pop Quiz:
What is your earliest memory of working with CIS?
In Ms. Alyssa’s after-school class at Woodward School. She was so sweet and we played a lot of game, did homework, and she made it really fun. I remember her class in particular because it was so comfortable.
What is your fondest memory of a CIS site coordinator?
When we went to Craig’s Cruisers in the after-school program at Hillside. I miss the program there. I also remember having an amazing time throwing water balloons outside!
What is one thing that you are most proud of?
Accomplishing my goals that I set, getting through 9th grade and keeping up my grades.
What are some of your long-term goals?
I want to go to college at Michigan State University. I might go into business or something. Actually, I want to work at my mom’s job. They have a lot of programs that help kids that I like a lot. I like what they do for kids and the community. [Note, Takara’s mom works as the Director of Corporate Operations at Big Brother Big Sisters Southwest Michigan.]
What is your favorite subject?
History. I like learning about the past and I really like the teacher. Teachers make a big difference in how good the class is and my history teacher is very energetic and fun!
What three words best describe you?
Smart, funny, and loving.
Behind every successful student is a caring adult. Who has been your caring adult?
My mom. She is always there for me and making sure that I have everything I need. I just love my mom.
What do the words “Being Present” mean to you?
Being there for someone and being in their life.
Regina’s Pop Quiz:
What is your connection to Kalamazoo?
I was born and raised in Kalamazoo. I am a community advocate and my role at Big Brother Big Sisters Southwest Michigan ensures that people are knowledgeable about community organizations and have access to their resources.
What are your ties to CIS of Kalamazoo?
This feels like a full-circle moment because I am connected with CIS through a variety of ways. First, through a community group with Eric Cunningham and Carmen Jones called Run This Town which supports the CIS Walking With Purpose initiative. that we I do with Eric Cunningham and Carmen Jones.
All my three children have been involved with CIS. A few years ago, my older daughter Artazijah volunteered to return as a CIS alumni to present during the CIS ThinkSummer program as a business entrepreneur while in college [see Artazijah’s blog post here].
I also serve on the After-School Program Collaborative Advisory Committee. It’s my 2nd year on the committee and I want to make sure that others have that same experience that I had and the only way to ensure that is to be involved.
Describe your experience with CIS of Kalamazoo?
CIS is supportive and provide resources to make sure students have what they need and provide opportunities for parents to also engage. The investment that CIS is making in young people will have a lasting effect for generations to come. Statistics show that kids do better when they have a mentor to help support them.
What do the words “Being Present” mean to you?
To be in the moment. Being supportive. Giving your all. Being a good listener when someone is speaking. Being willing to learn new things. Being open-minded. It depends on the space that you are in.
What is something that you are most proud of when you think of Takara?
Everything that she does; she brings so much joy to me as a mother and to others. She is always present. She is a go-getter, an athlete, and willing to try anything. She is a “Cancer”, meaning that she is loving, caring, compassionate, and has empathy for others.
What is a school memory that you share with Takara that stands out to you?
The biggest moment would be 8th grade graduation. She didn’t have as many experiences as a typical middle school student, due to COVID, but I truly saw her blossom and it meant a lot to see her walking across the graduation stage.
Thank you, Takara and Regina for hanging out with use at Ask Me About My 12,000 Kids!
