L.O.G.I.C Spotlight: Derek Lord

August 13, 2024

By Haasini Potluri and Ashwika Musku, Bank of America Student Leader

We sat down to chat with an exceptional member of the Food Bank of Delaware’s L.O.G.I.C program—Derek Lord. During our conversation, Derek discussed how transformative the program has been for him, how impactful the relationships he has built have been, and how grateful he is for the opportunities that are ahead of him. Read our discussion to learn about his journey here and his ambitions for the future.

Q: You’ve been a part of the L.O.G.I.C program for nine weeks; how would you describe the program so far?

A: Overall, I describe it as a life changing experience from someone who felt that they didn’t have a goal or a purpose that they saw. That was real, well, that was within reach. Within those nine weeks, I now see that I have a plan on a path that’s obtainable within a reasonable amount of time, and I’m surrounded by a really great support group of people who actually genuinely care about your situation and will take the time to work with you individually, to make sure that you can get your situation—whatever it is—straightened out so you can get in a better position. 

Q: So what motivated you to join the program? 

A: I’m just being better than I was the day before. You know, I tried applying, doing the same process of part time jobs, and I just never got to where I wanted to be. And I had the opportunity to join the program because of my grandparents. They’re recipients of the Food Bank, so they get the actual food. I saw a flier in the box from the Food Bank one time, and they gave it to me. I just took it from there.

Q: What have you learned from the program? What topics or skills were covered in the training?

A: Well, first of all, I learned pretty much the basics of OSHA, and I’m almost certified now. So you know, I learned all about protective personal equipment. I’ve also learned how to operate the machinery in the warehouse, how to do it correctly and safely with regards to yourself and everybody else. Also, I feel like I just also just learned how to be a team player. You notice, you know, working with other people who are trying to do the same thing that you’re doing. You know, it’s hard to really put into words you know, seeing other people that are in situations similar to yours, or maybe even harder. And they’re trying. It’s just, it’s inspiring. It’s inspiring, I would say so, I mean, just from everything that I learned. I mean, I’ve already been working with the people back to work in the warehouse. I’ve learned how to mark things for delivery and where to stage them. I’ve learned a lot of processes that I feel just sitting on a computer or reading a book would not have been able to teach me. The hands-on experience has been the most valuable part of this to me, by far.

Q: How would you describe your relationship with your instructors and classmates?

A: Well, I’ll start with the relationship with my classmates. Everyone gets along. We all joke,  we all get along. We all help each other out. You know, if someone’s struggling ever, you know, we all help. I feel like no one feels like that because we’re so good as a group. And I would have to say that it has to be in large part due to our instructors: Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Penni. They’re very inclusive. They listen to your problems, and they treat you like a human. You know, everyone’s an individual, and they treat you like an individual. They all give you the proper time because you never have to worry about going up and talking to them or asking for an effort. They’re always willing to help. They’ve been such a big part of why I feel like I’ve also had the success I’ve had, because I’ve had such a big support system within my teachers and the students that I’m with. So, it’s just been a really inclusive experience.

Q: What are your goals after the completion of this program?

A: My goals after this program, as soon as this program is done, I already have a job interview. I would like to secure that job. I would like to be able to maintain that job for at least a year and a half, two years hopefully. And I would like to have the basics in my life again: having a car, getting my first apartment or house or whatever it may be. I don’t know exactly what my situation will be like yet, but that’s my goal. I have a relationship that I’ve been in for a long time and you know, she wants that too. So it’s a motivation for me. Motivation to put myself in a better situation where I can just be comfortable. I just want accountability and knowing that I’ll be able to pay my bills. I’ll be able to eat every night. I’ll be able to get to work to learn, with no problems, no stress, and just know that I have enough money that, if things do go wrong—because life will always go wrong—I’ll be able to take care of it accordingly. That’s what I’m looking for: the stability that this could bring me.

Q: What advice would you give to yourself prior to starting the program?

A: Take the risk. Take the risk and put in the time. You’ll never know what you’re truly capable of unless you try to do it. Putting in some effort—25%, 50%, 75%… even 99% is not enough. You’ve got to put your all into it because you’ll never know how good you are at something unless you really try your best.

To learn more about the L.O.G.I.C program or to apply, visit www.fbd.org/logic.