Meet Jayla: Youth of the Year for Flint River Boys & Girls Boys & Girls Club

Jayla

Club membership: 2021

Post-Secondary/Career Interest: Go to college and then become a postpartum nurse.

What does the phrase masterpiece in the making mean to you? “The phrase masterpiece in the making means to me that a person is in progress of becoming someone remarkable and/or in progression of achieving greatness in life with the powerful impact of their voice.”

Why is it important for kids to use their voice? It is important for teens to use their voice in today’s society. Adults tend to look down on children at times and think they are superior. With the power of your voice you can set it straight. It allows teens to stand up for themselves. It also could start political movements that could benefit society today.

Short Bio: Jayla is a 16-year-old high school senior who says her Club is a safe space where she can express herself freely. With dreams of becoming a postpartum nurse, Jayla credits her Club for helping her to become more career driven. “There were many moments that have shaped me to be Youth of the Year for my Club, but a moment that felt full circle was when I was junior staff over the summer. It allowed me to help and shape the perspective of other kids who just started to attend the Club by providing a safe space for them like Boys & Girls Clubs did for me.”