“As I entered high school, I reflected deeply on the kind of person I aspired to become—a successful, bright, accomplished individual who could serve as an example to others. My older sister was a part of Boys Hope Girls Hope and played a pivotal role in transforming our family’s narrative. By the end of her senior year, she had become a distinguished student and earned a full scholarship to the University of Denver. It was at that moment that I realized the possibilities for my future were endless.

I joined Boys Hope Girls Hope the summer after finishing middle school, and being surrounded by dedicated mentors and likeminded peers pushed me to reach new heights. When I started high school, I hit the ground running.

I enrolled in advanced classes and committed myself fully to every course. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit during my junior year, I faced the challenges of isolation, but I still made an effort to volunteer in my neighborhood and secured an internship that allowed me to support other young girls like myself, thanks to Boys Hope Girls Hope Program Manager, Emily Falkner. Throughout that year, I took online college courses, and despite the difficulties, I persevered and even finished a full year of college.

By my senior year, I was proud to be the valedictorian and a Daniels Fund Scholar, just like my sister.Now, I am in my senior year of college, graduating a year early from business school and eagerly pursuingmy next goal of attending graduate school.

Despite the challenges I have faced, including relationship struggles, loneliness, and addiction within myfamily, Boys Hope Girls Hope has remained a constant source of support, helping me focus on my future.Boys Hope Girls Hope has truly changed my life for the better.”