Elias
1) How long have you been a member of Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta?
I have been going to the Club since I was six.
2) Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you?
The Boys & Girls Club is not only a safe space for kids to grow and become leaders, but it is also a place where differences can be accepted and shared. My Club is where my voice is heard and I feel accepted to be myself.
3) What is your career goal? What do you want to do, be when you grow up?
I want to own my own line of veterinary clinics or hospitals.
4) How has your Club supported your goals for college, post-secondary education, and career?
The Club has supplied me with the opportunity to give me an internship with a veterinary hospital.
5) Who has been a major influence in your life? Why?
My Mom has been a very big influence in my life. She has shown me how to achieve what I want to achieve while still maintaining my humility and confidence.
6) What is a success you achieved through the support of your Club?
I was able to win LINK of the year at Camp Kiwanis with the support of my Club and the Camp teaching me what to do.
7) What is a challenge that your Club helped you overcome?
They helped me to overcome my low self-esteem and grow into a leader who is proud to use my voice.
8) Do you volunteer in your community or at the Club? Can you share a few examples of this?
I volunteer by doing service projects during camp and LINK weekends. I also cut grass for some single mothers for free.
9) Why do you believe it is important for teens to use their voice in today’s society?
I believe that it is important for youth to use their voice in today’s society because the youth are our future and they will be the ones who lead this world when the current generation are gone. It is important for them to have the confidence and the willingness to share their ideas.
10) What are you doing, what can you do to spark positive change in today’s society?
I am helping kids in their journey of finding their voice as I found mine. I am creating a program for my mother’s community center to help kids with their confidence.
11) What moment or moments in your Club do you believe have shaped you to serve as your Club’s Youth of the Year
By being the first Youth of the Year of my Club, I am able to see the process and they also gave me many opportunities to present in front of people and help me to work on my confidence and stage presence. This also helped me with my self-esteem as well.
Join us for the 2022 Youth of the Year Experience on November 11!
The Youth of the Year Celebration will recognize Atlanta’s most inspiring teens and serve as the organization’s signature fundraising event.
During this event, 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. Before the night is over, one of our deserving teens will be presented with the organization’s most prestigious honor …
2022/2023 Youth of the Year
An experience you won’t want to miss!
Follow us for updates on Youth of the Year at #BGCMA #YouthOfTheYear and #VoicesForChange.