1) What does the phrase “Inner Rockstar” mean to you?
I interpret the phrase “inner rockstar” as your wild side, or your fearless side. Rockstars are known for having no boundaries, so your “inner rockstar” is your alter ego who is fearless.
2) Tell us about a success you achieved through the support of your Club?
Through the support of my club, I have become more social. I developed my social skills over the years and the main reason for that is the Boys and Girls Club.
3) Tell us about a barrier or challenge that your Club helped you to overcome?
The Boys and Girls Club helped me overcome my poor work ethic. I used to be lazy, and not want to do my work, but my Club taught me how to get things done quicker and better.
4) Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you?
The Club is important to me because it is where I spent the vast majority of my childhood. I’ve had my highest of highs and some of my lowest of lows at the Boys and Girls Club, so it holds a plethora of memories.
5) Who else has been a major influence in your life?
Some major influences in my life at the Boys and Girls Club are Coach Billy, Mr. Steve, Mr. TJ, Coach Jason, and Coach Hakeem. I’ve looked up to each of them at different points in my life, and they inspired me to be the person I am today.
6) What exciting or cool experiences have you had because you were a member at your Club?
At the Club, I’ve been able to go to Camp Kiwanis, go skating, play flag football, be a part of a basketball league, and be a part of Torch Club.
7) In what ways has your Club supported your goals for college, post-secondary education, and career?
The Club runs a program called “Money Matters”, they do SAT/ACT practice, and they try to surround me with people involved in education.
8) Do you volunteer in your community or at the Club? Can you share a few examples of this?
Some examples of me volunteering in my community is when we did Toys for Tots at the Boys and Girls Club, free car washes for my community, and participated in community clothing and food drives.
9) What worries you the most about your future?
Making the transition to be on my own and be fully independent.
10) What are you doing/can you do to spark positive change?
I can start being more optimistic with others and myself, be more involved in my community, advocate for others, and join a group in my community that is focused on youth initiatives and issues.
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 #VoicesForChange.