Erik was a self-described bad kid growing up. He was immature. He didn’t take things seriously. His homework was never turned in on time. He disrespected those around him.
Then, heading into eighth grade, Erik decided he didn’t want to be that kid anymore.
“The Club played a major role in my maturity and growth,” Erik said. “When I joined the Club, it helped me grow out of my comfort zone. I was very closed off, very anti-social, and had very low self-esteem.”
While Erik has been coming to the Club since Kindergarten, his attendance became more regular and he got more involved in what was going on around him. Like many teens at the Club, he quickly found his clubhouse’s Keystone Club, a group of teens who want to work on their leadership skills and give back to their community.
It was actually his cousin Leo, who had been attending the Club with him but was older, that convinced him to join Keystone Club. Before that, Erik thought it was just a group of teens that went on field trips sometimes. What he found instead was what matters to him the most.
“After being involved for three years, I realize Keystone is all about giving back to our community and Club,” Erik said. “I know that I want to be part of this Club and I want to be doing something impactful rather than being home all day doing nothing.”
He let down his walls and stopped being so antisocial. He was no longer closed off, no longer putting in the minimum effort, no longer being disrespectful to the places and people around him.
“This community is one that words cannot fully describe. We learn on each other during difficult times, take care of the community to ensure its growth, and most importantly value every individual,” Erik said. “I strongly advocate against vandalism and littering because it shows disrespect for our community. It’s crazy how many times people don’t take accountability for themselves.”
Through his Club journey, Erik’s developed a better understanding of others by listening, and has found opportunities that he never thought he had. Recently, he was able to attend the National Keystone Club Conference in Chicago, meeting lots of new people he now considers friends. It was his first time ever flying, and he came back inspired with new ideas and a new sense of purpose.
Erik also works at the Club in the Yerington clubhouse’s gym and computer lab, and has picked up all the skills of multitasking and customer service in his job at The Yerington Movie House.
“I’ve managed to maintain good grades, do well in soccer and give these Club kids the same experience that was provided to me growing up.”