Yakking with Yante Season Two, Episode 1: Benny Ricker

Editors Notes: It’s a new school year, and that means a new season of our number one blog series, Yakking with Yante. For our premiere episode, Daniel yaks with long time friend and current HUB High School member, Benny Ricker.

DY: How would you describe your time at the HUB Houston?

BR: It's been great. I did a lot of fun and great things at The HUB. There are still more great things coming this year. I am happy that I was at the HUB. 

DY: How does if feel that you are a senior and how would you describe your journey up to that point? 

BR: It feels crazy! I still remember my first day at the HUB. I am going to miss everybody that I met at the Hub. My journey has been great at the Hub. I done a lot of fun and amazing things like going to field trips or camps and meeting new people every since I was at the HUB

DY: What inspired you to join the soccer team, United Genuine FC? 

BR: I got inspired to play when I saw my friend Quint playing on the team. I wanted to become a member of the United Genuine to help myself improve as a soccer player and also to help the team get better and better.

DY: What made you get into sports like Basketball and such and why do you love it so much? 

BR: I care about basketball a tiny bit but what really got me into it when I saw my first Rockets game and when Jabari Smith Jr hit a game winner to win us the game. And also I have some friends that play basketball with me and want to help me get better and have fun mostly.

DY: What where you favorite memories you made during your time at the HUB? 

BR: I have 3 of my favorite memories. First, when I got to be on stage during theater; it meant a lot to me. Second, when Ms Julie took me and some other students to places that I enjoyed during her culture class. Third, going to the Y to play basketball with my friends, scoring points, getting better and having fun.

DY: What are your most struggling moments you had at the HUB?

BR: I have three: Frist, when I am not playing great it's very frustrating  because I know I can play better; Second, when I first came to the Hub I was scared and nervous because it was a new place at the time and I got really emotional because none of my old friends were there and I really missed them; and Third, when I got COVID during the school year after the Astros won The World Series in 2022, that was hard because I had to miss 10 days of school.  

DY: How did you find out about the HUB and what were your past memories at your old school was like?

BR: My parents told me about the HUB and I really needed a school to go to so we agreed that I was going to the HUB. My previous school was Westview. It was fun. In my final year there we went to Camp For All. All of the teachers were very nice and I met a lot of new friends. A couple came to the Hub and some I still see to this day.

DY: How would you describe your time and memories with the internships you have this year plus in the past few years?

BR: I am having a great time working at places where I am, still around my friends and meeting new people and learning more ways to help me in the future. Helping out at Jessie Bites and at a restaurant.

DY: What are your plans and ideas you have when you graduate in May 2026? 

BR: I am still going to play soccer and still visit the Hub after  I graduate. and I am also trying to get a job to help me and my family, Also hopefully  play on a professional team.