A word from 2026 BGCMW Youth of the Year

Izadora De Jesus

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          When I think about my experience with the Boys & Girls Club, I do not think only of an after-school program. I think about the place that helped shape who I am today. Since I was little, the Boys & Girls Club has always been a place where I could go after school to feel safe, supported, and understood. It was more than just a space to spend time; it was a community that taught me responsibility, connection, and the impact one person can have on others. 

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            Before COVID, I was an active member of Torch Club, where I participated in activities that focused on leadership, teamwork, and giving back to the community. Torch Club helped me step out of my comfort zone and start building confidence in my voice at a young age. It showed me that even as a young member, I could make a difference and be involved in something meaningful. Being part of Torch Club helped me develop early leadership skills and understand the importance of working together to support others. 

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             When I returned to the Boys &  Girls Club during my freshman year of high school, things felt different. I was no longer in the games room with the younger members; I had moved into the Teen Center, where the environment was more focused on independence, responsibility, and preparing for the future. At first, the change was an adjustment as I stepped into a new space with new expectations and responsibilities. However, that transition helped me grow. In the Teen Center, I learned how to take initiative, communicate more confidently, and start thinking about my goals and future. The staff and mentors continued to support me, encouraging me to challenge myself and take on new opportunities. 

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             Their guidance played a huge role in my growth. They encouraged me to take my first step into the workforce and apply for a job at the Club, believing in my potential even before I fully believed in myself. I remember feeling nervous about applying, but their reassurance gave me the confidence to try. Through their encouragement, I learned that leadership is not about being in charge, but about being someone others can trust, depend on, and look up to. 

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              One of the most meaningful moments in my journey has been going from being a member walking through the doors to now being the one who welcomes others in. As a front desk staff member, I greet families, answer questions, and help keep the Club organized so that members feel safe and comfortable when they arrive. I remember what it felt like to walk through those doors as a young member, so I try to be that same welcoming presence for others. This role has helped me develop professional communication skills, patience, and the ability to stay calm in busy situations while making people feel heard and supported. 

 

              Now, as a senior in high school, I see the Boys & Girls Club from a completely different perspective. I am not just someone working at the front desk; I am someone who has grown up in this environment and understands the impact it has on young people. From Torch Club, to adjusting to the Teen Center in high school, to welcoming members and families every day, each stage of my journey has shaped my confidence, leadership, and sense of responsibility. The Boys & Girls Club has shown me that small actions, such as offering encouragement, listening, or simply making someone feel like they belong, can make a lasting difference in someone’s life. Being part of this community has shaped the person I am today and the leader I hope to continue becoming in the future.