Meet David: Youth of the Year for Paulding County Boys & Girls Club

David

1) How long have you been a member of Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta?

I have been attending the Club for seven years.  I was first introduced to the Club when I was a toddler. Back when my brother went to the Club, I used to walk into the Club and take off running to wherever I could go. I was having the time of my life running around and having fun with the kids there. But, after time that I had to run around, it sparked my interest to officially attend during middle school.

2) Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you?

There are many reasons why Boys & Girls Club is important to me.  I only have two main reasons why. The first reason is that they are family because of the bonds that I was able to create. They pulled me closer, which is the biggest reason I love the Club. The second reason is the opportunities. As a Youth of the Year, senior in high school my eyes were open even more, seeing how much I have been impacted by participating in programs. Seeing this significant impact, I am grateful for all the important people I have met who supported me throughout my journey as a leader.

3) What is your career goal? What do you want to do, be when you grow up?

I want to produce music. The love that I have for music is unbreakable. Just when the sound enters my ears, everything fades out as I zone out into my own world. If you know me, you know how I get I hear songs that really get me. In my world, I began to come up with a dance to the song. I usually have family and friends, watching me as I slightly move my arms and legs to the song. Music is just a source that encourages me to be myself when it comes to dancing or making music. All the different sounds that make up the components of a song just let me know that creativity is one of the big things that comes to making something from scratch.

4) How has your Club supported your goals for college, post-secondary education, and career?

I can say that they have been supportive in a number of ways. The programs that were offered to me opened doors for me as well. As a result of my music career, I have been able to network with some people in the music industry and learn more about music, even today. My Club helps me in my senior year as well. Aside from the fact that my Club gave me opportunities to succeed in my music career, they also gave me opportunities to help out for college, like College Bound. As a senior, there are different tasks that I have to do right now. The educational programs opened me up to scholarships, choosing a school, and so on.

5) Who has been a major influence in your life? Why?

I want to shout out my parents, but most of all, my brother. My brother is an out-of-state college student. And as a younger brother, I can say that we have a truly strong bond. Thanks to that connection, I learned much from him as I grew up. When my parents were busy with providing for the family or working, my brother is always there to have me under his wing. He is always there to tell the pros and cons of growing up to become an adult. He not only sets the example, but he also is the example. No matter how far away he is, he always makes sure I’m good and gives me tips on any situation I’m struggling with.

6) What is a success you achieved through the support of your Club?

Having the support that I need. The reason is, I grew up realizing that if it wasn’t for the support I had, I probably wouldn’t be where I’m at now. After each opportunity, it was always the people that supported me that helped it happen. So, I think that having good support is a success that I achieved.

7) What is a challenge that your Club helped you overcome?

A challenge I overcame was speaking in front of a crowd or big group. During my time as Jr. Youth of the Year and during school presentations, I was not ready to speak because I was always nervous. During my Jr. Youth of the Year, with my Club’s help, I was able to gain more confidence to speak in front of a crowd or big groups. Even though I still feel a little nervous now when I have to speak, I always think back to Jr. Youth of the Year.

8) Do you volunteer in your community or at the Club? Can you share a few examples of this?

Yes, I do volunteer at the Club. I have helped the younger kids with their homework, clean the club, assist with activities for the members, and more.

9) Why do you believe it is important for teens to use their voice in today’s society?

It is important because it would make a difference in showing people that their voices have an impact on things. Some teens, that have something to say, won’t speak up. If we have more teens to speak up it would really show that, whatever it is, it might need to happen.

10) What are you doing, what can you do to spark positive change in today’s society?

I can continue to speak encouragement and be the role model that I am supposed to be. I will continue to show and have positive energy no matter the situation. The reason why is my energy can spread to multiple people around me. Then it would spread even more as more people are affected by my positive energy.

11) What moment or moments in your Club do you believe have shaped you to serve as your Club’s Youth of the Year

Me attending different programs really shaped me to serve as my Club’s Youth of the Year….Keystone, Camp Kiwanis, and North Carolina Outward Bound. Participating in these programs just taught me more about myself and what I am capable of.