This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come from spending formative years right here at home. Read more from the series.
What area of Asheville did you grow up in?
I grew up in the East End neighborhood in the MLK area, right up the street from Stephens-Lee Community Center.
When did you join the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team?
I joined the APR team last July as a seasonal support staffer. Now, I’m a program leader at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. Previously, I spent two summers as an intern for the City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) program starting in its inaugural year as a high school student.
Teens in the community, I encourage you to apply for everything – scholarships, jobs, internships, clubs, etc. – especially opportunities with the City of Asheville. Always remember to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
What inspired you to join the team?
The opportunity to be more involved in my community and to help our city’s young people reach their aspirations inspired me the most.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
I’m most proud of encouraging local youth to dream big and think critically while navigating the obstacles of life in Asheville.
As someone who grew up in the area, what does it mean to work for APR?
It means everything to me because I have an opportunity to create programs for both youth and adults to keep them creative, healthy, and engaged in their community.
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
Instead of trying to do everything myself, I’ve grown professionally by utilizing my team. Also, by improving my communication skills, I’m better able to engage with the community.
How would you complete this sentence? “I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…”
I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because I want to be a role model for youth in our city so they can be the best versions of themselves, as well as to also have a positive impact on the community I serve.
Join Tyrell and other parks and recreation professionals making significant impact as they work to build a strong, healthy, and happy place to live. Current opportunities to work with Asheville Parks & Recreation can be found online.