As the Citywide Youth of the Year winner, Maria exemplifies what it means to be a leader. As the oldest of four, she knows that her actions and choices have a direct influence on her siblings and she strives to set a positive example for them each day.
“I realize now, more than ever, how much my siblings look up to me. I have to be a role model for them,” said Maria. “Demonstrating leadership is part of my upbringing. I could not have had better role models in my own life. I can honestly say that I hope to be a combination of my parents when I grow up. I will never stop learning from them.”
Her parents were unable to finish school which makes Maria even more determined to graduate from high school and pursue a college degree. She knows how proud this will make her parents and understands that it will set the precedent for her younger siblings.
Since becoming a member of the Jefferson County Boys & Girls Club over five years ago, Maria has also become a leader at the Club. She is a junior staff member and has taken an active role in planning and developing community service projects for her peers. At first, Maria started participating in the community service programs at the Club because she knew that it would help with her college applications, but that quickly changed once the volunteering began.
“Community service is about the experience itself rather than counting hours for applications, and I realize that there is great value in volunteering,” said Maria.
After being exposed to the benefits of volunteering through the Club, she began to participate in other programs at her school like National Honor Society. Maria has embraced volunteering and enjoys giving back to her community.
“I like the feeling of playing an active role in my community because being a helping hand is one of the greatest things I could be. I have been able to help my community in ways that I would have never thought of,” said Maria. “I know that this service has made me a better person and has helped me grow. Through my involvement and service at the Club, I feel that I am able to give back to the Club for all that it gives me.”