1) What does the phrase “Inner Rockstar” mean to you?
Definition of an inner rockstar is a person with hidden talents. When she first came to the Club, she was really introverted. When she started meeting new people from different backgrounds it helped her to understand the importance of diversity and how important it is for us to showcase our stories.
2) Tell us about a success you achieved through the support of your Club?
I believe that the community service through the Keystone program is one of the best successes that I ever had because I get to help my community through many different projects and fundraisers such as carwashes and food distribution.
3) Tell us about a barrier or challenge that your Club helped you to overcome?
This is my third and final year participating in the YOY program. I will say that the most successful learning experience is public speaking. In other words, how to be more confident with my thoughts and words regardless of the judgment that may come from other individuals.
4) Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you?
Being an immigrant form Mexico, the Boys and Girls Club has given me lots of opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds. Through BGCMA I was also able to see more diversity in viewpoints that has enriched my mentality than what it was before I came into the US.
5) Who else has been a major influence in your life?
I would say my grandma because she was a single mother in a sexist and discriminatory country such as Mexico. Watching her taught me that she had to make many sacrifices to maintain her family – my mom and siblings. People sometimes must make sacrifices under certain circumstances that require effort and time to help the ones that they love.
6) What exciting or cool experiences have you had because you were a member at your Club?
I was presented with an internship at Accenture which is a company whose mission is service and consulting during the summer.
Due to my immigration status I couldn’t join the full internship or get paid, but I was thankful that I had the opportunity offered to me by the Club.
7) In what ways has your Club supported your goals for college, post-secondary education, and career?
Through the Career bound program at Boys and Girls Club I was shown the application process of getting a job or applying for college. As well as any advice to be a successful student and person in the future. I also learned that you don’t have to go to college to be successful as longs and you overcome the challenges that you encounter and keep trying to learn new things.
8) Do you volunteer in your community or at the Club? Can you share a few examples of this?
I do volunteer in my community. I finished a volunteer project called VietSkype. In this program they help students from Vietnam through Zoom practice their English skills and overcome their language barriers. I was in the same boat, so it helped me to connect and share our cultures and ideas.
9) What worries you the most about your future?
Not knowing what the next step is. Also, my immigration status. I can’t get financial aid. Private schools are expensive. I know what I want to do but not sure if it will happen due to my immigration status.
10) What are you doing/can you do to spark positive change?
Since quarantine started, I have been raising awareness in my community regarding any discriminatory beliefs gender roles and any way it effects our women and people of color in her community. I have been doing this by addressing comments made by people who are close to me. Like when I hear someone say something discriminatory, I speak up and use it as a teaching opportunity. Sometimes people don’t know the difference between a joke and something offensive. Making a difference starts with me.
Join us for the 2021 Livestream Youth of the Year Experience on November 12th!
Themed “Breakthrough Stars”, this livestream will celebrate Atlanta’s most inspiring teens and fundraise to support important Boys & Girls Clubs programs.
During this livestream, you’ll have the opportunity to hear speeches from our teens about where they started, how your generous support has helped shape who they are today, and what big dreams they have for the future. At the finale, one of our deserving teens will be presented with the organization’s most prestigious honor – 2021/2022 Youth of the Year. We’ll also have entertainment streaming from Atlanta’s very own Gritz & Jelly Butter Band and Lilac Wine.
Don’t miss our Livestream experience!
Follow us for updates on Youth of the Year at #BGCMA #YouthOfTheYear and #GreatFutures