“The Club helps me to achieve my goals, take responsibility, and develop the skills I need to interact with people in the real world.”

                                                                                                  - Raquel

Ever since elementary school, when she received a pet bird as a gift, Raquel has wanted to work with animals. And now, a decade later, she’s heading for college, with plans to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. That’s just one example of the perseverance and dedication that has helped her earn the title of 2008 Columbia Park Clubhouse Youth of the Year.

 

Raquel says that from a very early age, she knew that the choices she made would determine her future. And over the last three years, the Club has helped her make the right decisions and learn the right lessons to stay on track. “The Club helps me to achieve my goals, take responsibility, and develop the skills I need to interact with people in the real world,” says Raquel. BART (Becoming a Responsible Teen) taught her HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention; Council for Unity taught tolerance, understanding and diversity; and Keystone Club developed her leadership and community service record.  In addition, as a teen staff member working in the Education Center, she has developed job skills and an extraordinary work ethic that she’ll take with her throughout her lifetime.

 

But the Club hasn’t just helped Raquel; she’s helped the Club, inspiring the other members with her strong character and drive. Club staff, teachers, and guidance counselors all agree that Raquel possesses a remarkable sense of self. That has helped her overcome the many challenges she has faced in her life—including attending a high school with few other minority students. Now, Raquel is showing her special drive by becoming the first member of her family to attend college.

 

Raquel is sure to face a number of new challenges as she embarks on this new stage in her life. But while she’s graduating from the Club, she’s sure to remember the lessons and skills she has learned there. And judging by her past, you can count on Raquel to keep reaching for her dreams with single-minded determination.

 

• Meet the rest of the 2008 Youth of the Year finalists