1. What does the phrase “Inner Rockstar” mean to you?
Inner Rockstar to me is being the person you always are when you’re not around other people.
2. Tell us about a success you achieved through the support of your Club?
A success I have experienced at the Club was becoming the Junior Youth of the Year and Youth of the Year this year. I always wanted to be a Youth of the Year, and when I got picked as Junior Youth of the Year, I got to experience some of the things of the YOY. Being Junior Youth of the Year helped me to know what to expect when I became YOY this year. I was chosen among all the other members as a leader in the club and that was a huge accomplishment for me.
3.Tell us about a barrier or challenge that your Club helped you to overcome?
The Club helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking. I did not like talking in front of anybody at all. I felt like I was being judged every second. I took oratorical and it helped me to overcome that barrier. Being in oratorical helped me to be more confident in speaking instead of caring what other people were thinking.
4. Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you?
The Boys & Girls Club is important to me because I grew up at the Boys & Girls Club and most of my life was there. It changed me and helped me become who I am today and helped me become that inner rockstar! It made me become more open and confident as a person.
5.Who else has been a major influence in your life?
Ms. Tyanna has been a major influence in my life because she is the kindest person I know. She always looks for the best in people and that’s really inspiring because I don’t do that all the time.
6. What exciting or cool experiences have you had because you were a member at your Club?
An exciting experience I had because I was a member at my Club was going to the National Keystone Conference in Orlando and Atlanta. Going to Disney, doing the programs and seeing all the other members from around America was great! That experience was an eventful time and really exciting. We also got to go to Top Golf and I got lost. It was raining and there were a lot buses to go to a different places. Someone told me to get on another bus because my bus was full. I was supposed to be with Mr. Mike’s group, and he couldn’t find me. We finally met up and it was really funny. We also had Popeye’s at 3:00 in the morning because we got home so late! We were all in our rooms and food was delivered. That was awesome!
7. In what ways has your Club supported your goals for college, post-secondary education, and career?
The Club has all different types of programs so if you have something you enjoy, there’s always going to be something for you. Cooking Matters is a program at our Club that taught about healthy cooking instead of saturated fats and stuff. I also had an internship that turned into a job at Highland Bakery. Ms. Stacy is teaching me all parts of how a restaurant works including the bakery. I am now able to work front of the house, back of the house and pastry.
8. Do you volunteer in your community or at the Club? Can you share a few examples of this?
I volunteer at the Club whenever I can. I help with homework, water the garden or anywhere help is needed.
9. What worries you the most about your future?
I hope I’m still in college in a few years.
10. What are you doing/can you do to spark positive change?
When I’m on the bus to work or school or see a younger member of the band in my section who needs help, I always offer to help where I can. It’s not something I think about, it’s just something that happens, and people always seem to appreciate it.
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