“I ended up joining tutoring because I got to go swimming. I was the oldest in the group, so he had me help the younger kids with their reading and homework. Mike was someone we were comfortable with, we came to him with whatever we needed help with, not just school work, but finding a job or going to college after high school, even family issues, he would try to help with. I spent two and a half years with Achievement Unlimited but I don’t believe it ever left me. Great memories of Mike and the rest of the group. More of my family joined after me - two sisters, my younger brother, and two nephews. We became family, and he brought us into his family….Mike and Achievement Unlimited left a lasting impression on all who have passed through. Thank you Mike for giving us your time.”
- Victor Joshua, Achievement Unlimited
“I remember the day, I was leaving school when Sister Joan Marie pulled me out of the line and mentioned that there was someone she wanted me to meet. She told me that this man had an after school program, Achievement Unlimited, that she thought would be a great help to me. She mentioned that this man would help me with my homework and give me some guidance. She then turned and walked into her office and returned with this man, dressed in a painter's jumpsuit and a red bandanna wrapped around his head. I remember saying to myself, "Who is this guy?". It didn't take long for this man to walk up to me, put his left hand on my shoulder and say, "Hi Mark, I'm Mike Zizzamia." In that moment, I'm not sure what happened but my life changed dramatically. From then on I no longer walked home alone after school to watch TV. I now had a place to go where I received help with my homework, read hundreds of books, and ultimately got the opportunity to meet other students which I am happy to say are now lifelong friends. Achievement Unlimited, under the direction of Mike Zizzamia, was an inspiration to all of us kids that went through the program.”
- Mark Senior, Achievement Unlimited