Meet Amber A., a bubbly social butterfly
Amber A., a teen member at Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley’s Yerington teen center, is a social butterfly.
“I love hanging out with my friends,” she said. “I love seeing my family smile. I love how the teen center has let me be out of my shell and connect with the other members.”
Amber has been a Club member for years, involving herself in what she could around her home away from home. She was a member of the Torch Club, frequently helped out where she could and is usually at the Club from open to close. With how comfortable she got at the youth side, her move over to the teen center was initially met with nerves.
“When I first went over to the teen center, I was scared but also excited,” she said. “But as the days went, the teen center became another home away from home.”
The people there turned into friends, and the staff quickly became mentors. She also got right back into the groove of being involved, joining Keystone Club when she could and becoming a strong part of the group. Leadership is something Amber has learned a lot about in her time at the Club, and it’s become a passion of hers.
“I’ve always been a leader, it’s the type of person I am.”
But through her work in both Torch Club and Keystone Club now, she’s learned how to refine a natural ability into a talent. She knows how to be someone’s friend while also leading them. Her ability to listen and understand has gotten better. She also knows when it’s time to stop talking and get to work. All of this has helped her hold officer positions in her groups while being a hard worker with all her friends.
That ability to listen and understand people has made her what she calls the therapist of her friend group. She can sit and listen, and numerous friends of hers all say she’s the person they can go to when something is going on. It’s something Amber enjoys.
The real maturity in Amber, though, comes from knowing she needs to focus on herself, too.
“I don’t always express my emotions and feelings well, but the Teen Center has taught me to understand what I’m feeling and how to cope with them. I use those skills to help not just me but others. That makes me a better leader in the end.”
The Yerington Intermediate School student continued the walk down her leadership path this winter, competing for Junior Youth of the Year with her close friend Clarisa. Throughout her speech and interview, Amber talked a lot about her family and friends, highlighting how much of a people person she is. She talked about the Club being a special place for her and how much it has taught her. Through the process of Junior Youth of the Year, she learned a lot too.
“Going on stage and talking was such a cool experience,” Amber said. “Making my presentation board also brought back a lot of memories, and I got to make it with my brother Bobby. He’s in college now, so I don’t get to see him as much.”Amber’s involvement isn’t just limited to the Club, though. Amber is a fierce athlete, playing soccer, volleyball and softball in the local youth leagues. She enjoys spending time with all of her family and hanging out with her older brother, Bobby. Amber’s also serious about her school, and is always trying her hardest to be the best she can be.