The 12 Days of Impact (Nov. 20-Dec. 1) is a series of Club member & alumni stories to get everyone inspired for #GivingTuesday on December 1st, 2015. #GivingTuesday is a global day dedicated to giving reminding us that the spirit of the holiday is about community and not just consumerism. Click here to learn more/ play a critical role in shaping the lives of our community’s young people this holiday season!
Hello,
My name is Nick. and since my first day at “The Club” I haven’t missed a single day. I enjoy being at “The Club” because it’s finally something positive in my life. Before I came to “The Club” I was always in the streets hanging with the wrong crowds of people. Everyone always thought I was a bad kid and was never going to make it in life. Most thought I was going to become a drop out – even my own family. I even began to believe it myself.
From the first day I’ve been here the Club staff made me feel like I am somebody, AND a great leader. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like I was respected. All my life I’ve heard: “You’re going to become a drop out” or “You’re disrespectful and selfish”. The type of respect and kindness the staff here gives me makes me want to be here every day from open to close. I play basketball here every day and chill with most of my friends. It keeps me away from the bad group of people I hung out with before and it keeps me away from drugs. If it wasn’t for Mr. Cook, Mrs. Crystal, and my mother I don’t think I would be writing this right now. It means so much to me that there are people who believe I can be someone in life. To prove I’m grateful for this opportunity, I will continue to show up here every day and represent myself, the Keystone Club, “The Club” Teen Center, and my mother in a positive way.
Thank You
Nick
To view Nick giving his moving speech, click here.
