I have been a part of Girls Inc for as long as I can remember. Girls Inc. has provided me with the space and tools I need to follow my passion to help girls like me not fall into the trap of feeling like having a learning disability defines who they are. My dream has always been to become a teacher; growing up I would set all my dolls up and I would make them sit in a classroom so I could teach them. I remember one Girls Inc. camp someone had asked me “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and, without a doubt, I said “a teacher like my mom.” Beyond a career, I want to be a mom, a kind person, and, most of all, an advocate for everyone. Girls Inc. is one of the biggest advocate for girls and I hope one day I will be able to advocate for people just like they do!

Girls Inc. has changed my view on life. They have shown me that standing up for myself, my friends, and my family is brave. I have also learned that I don’t have to be like everyone else; I can be my own person; I can make my own pathway.

My favourite memory of Girls Inc. is when I was at a summer camp and we had the end of summer talent show. I had been learning how to play the ukulele and I had finally learned how to play the song “Riptide.” My new friend and I got up and began to play and sing. Afterwards, we were so excited because everyone was so supportive and proud that we had built a new friendship and found a welcoming environment where we felt strong enough to get on stage and preform.

Girls Inc. showed me what a leader looks like, and gave me the confidence to become one. They taught me how to be calm, confident, patient, open to new ideas and, most importantly, to just be you.