published: Friday, January 18, 2013

Meet Your

NEIGHBOR

Brandon Pereira

Meet Your

NEIGHBOR

Brandon Pereira

-- Hometown: Philadelphia

-- OCCUPATION: Boys & Girls Club

-- FAMILY: Mother, Fay Pereira; father, Scott Pereira; two brothers, Phillip Pereira and Daniel Pereira

What do you enjoy most about South Lake County?

I guess the most enjoyable thing about it is that it's very peaceful and quiet.

If you had to summarize your philosophy of life in one sentence, what would it be?

Life is what you make it.

Name a person or incident you've come across recently that's touched you in some way. Why did this person or incident impress you so much?

My mother. She does a lot for me, and it keeps me going to become successful enough to were she doesn't have to work anymore.

How does what you do contribute to the welfare of the area?

What I do -- mentoring students after school at the Boys & Girls Club -- helps contribute to the area because my job helps keep kids off the streets and shows them the right path to go. As for any real accomplishments, it's that I will be going to college. I'm going to finish college for sure.

What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't yet?

Go scuba diving.

What advice would you give to people who want to help out in the community?

My advice would be to help out as much as you can because it makes you feel better doing something positive for your community, and it makes a difference.