MEET AUTUMN H., A NEWLY-CONFIDENT MEMBER AT OUR DAYTON SITE

Autumn H., an eighth grader at Dayton Intermediate school, loves learning. Whether it’s diving into graphic design, editing a new YouTube video with her friends or practicing a new routine at her local dance studio, this year’s Youth of the Year candidate from Dayton is always picking up something new.

When she found Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley, Autumn also started learning things just past new skills.

“Being at the Club has helped me grow and progress in so many ways, you can’t even imagine.”

Growing up as a much younger child, Autumn was shy. Very shy. She’s experienced her fair share of struggles growing up, which made her pull back from people and created a hesitancy to opening up. As she grew into her teens, she realized this was something she struggled with, and she wanted to socialize more. So, she became a member and started volunteering at the Club’s Dayton clubhouse.

“The staff members have supported me through everything I’ve been through and helped guide me to do the right things.”

Emotional intelligence and comprehension is something a lot of youth struggle with. Post-COVID, kids and teens had been separated from each other during formidable years. Autumn was no different as she’d never been too sure of her emotions, what she was feeling and how to deal with all of it. As she continued her time at the Club over the last two years, her fears of not being liked, not fitting in and not trusting anyone began melting away. She got more involved at the Club, grew her patience with others and has broken out of her comfort zone.

As a testament to her new confidence, Autumn became a Cadette in her Girl Scouts troop. This year, she hit the stage as a Youth of the Year candidate herself, a shining example of how the Club can help youth, no matter where they come from, find themselves.

Autumn spoke to what she was passionate about and what makes her, her.

“I believe that learning is life long and goes beyond the classroom and school doors. I believe that, to truly succeed at what you want to accomplish in life, you have to be willing to continue learning no matter what.” Autumn’s learning and growth will continue at the Club as she strives for her goals and persistence in growing out of her shell and into an even more incredible young person.