Who would of imagined that just a year ago I was named the Youth of the Year for the Southeast Region and now I am in Rammstein, Germany, as one of the participants for the ESLA (European Summer Leadership Program Assistant) program? Not only has Boys & Girls Clubs of America given me the opportunity to travel around the United States, but it has now given me the opportunity to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe.
Being in Germany this week has allowed me to broaden my horizons in the different programs that Boys & Girls Clubs offer to all youth -- not only in America but also to the youth on military bases.
As I recap on my journey as Regional Youth of the Year, not only has it gone by fast, but it has made me think back to where I first started. It was at the Club that I first understood the meaning of a dream. It was there that I learned how to fly away from home and become independent, and finally it was there that I learned that nothing was impossible. This Club has equipped me with valuable life tools to pursue anything I set my mind to, and taught me to understand each life stage that comes my way. But most importantly it has given me the keys to success, determination, perseverance, and hope to continue on a path to a great future.
This year alone not only have I seem myself blossom into a independent, open-minded, self-determined, and amazing young lady, but I have become a true product of what BGCA does each day. Through giving me countless of opportunities to meet new people and allowing me to finish my first year in college to traveling across the world, I can say I am truly blessed to be a part of one of the greatest organizations in the world: Boys & Girls Clubs of America.