In celebration of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation’s 70th Anniversary, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is one of seven organizations selected to receive a $5,000 grant in honor of a Selby Scholar. This special award is made possible by Mykayla Graham who wrote the essay below about the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties on her life.
I lost my mother before I was old enough to walk. In her absence, my grandmother stepped into the role of my caretaker and became the anchor of our family. Her decision to enroll me in the Boys & Girls Club altered the course of my life.
Over the past thirteen years, The Club has been a place where I have experienced growth and empowerment. Through various programs and leadership opportunities I have cultivated skills, faced challenges and embraced moments that have shaped who I am today.
The program, Keystone, taught me that true leadership involves listening, earning and reciprocating respect, and understanding the needs and perspectives of those around me. Building on the impact of the Club’s programs, the STAR leadership program showed me the power of collaboration and the impact of collective efforts in creating positive change. And lastly, as a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, I came to recognize the value of youth voices and understand how diverse perspectives can work together to build a better future.
While The Club’s programs have certainly shaped who I am today, it is the individuals within The Club that have consistently served as my pillars of strength. I have been blessed to have so many amazing mentors among the staff at The Club, and Ms. Suriya is undoubtedly one of them. She’s always encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace opportunities that I might normally pass up. Even when I have been hesitant, I have always grown to cherish those experiences. Another person who has undeniably been a mentor to me is Mr. Geo. His easy-going nature and sense of humor have a way of making everyone feel comfortable around him. Over the past couple of years, he’s encouraged me to find my voice, and share my thoughts, helping me to flourish in the leadership roles I was entrusted with. It’s also meaningful having family who have found their calling within The Club. My sister-in-law Venesha, and my brothers, Clarence and Matthew, are incredible role models, both within The Club and in their lives outside of it. It has been a gift to be my authentic self around them, especially when feeling the weight of others’ expectations. Through their work at the club, they exemplify hard work and dedication, demonstrating the joy that comes with loving what you do, inspiring me to seek that same fulfillment in my future career. The relationships I have built reassure me that I always have a community to lift me up if I fall and walk beside me when the path is difficult.
As a first-generation college student, I must acknowledge the tremendous amount of support The Club has given me throughout my journey. Throughout my senior year of high school, I was notified about and was able to apply to numerous scholarships. I was also fortunate enough to be awarded several scholarships from The Club, which eased the financial burden of college expenses for both me and my family. Furthermore, after my first year of college, The Club welcomed me back with open arms, offering me a summer job. This opportunity allowed me to save money, which was important in preparing for the expenses of the upcoming academic year.
I continue to be grateful for my Club experience, a journey of growth, resilience, and empowerment. Even now, as a Club alumnus, The Club consistently extends its support, with staff regularly checking in and showing genuine interest in my journey.