By: Erin Porteous
On a hot September afternoon, Xochitl flies across the monkey bars on the “big playground” at Boston Boys & Girls Club in Aurora. She is strong and funny and a great friend – rallying the other girls at the Club into a game of hot lava monster. She makes sure everyone has a turn to be in charge with the cry, “Now it’s your turn!” echoing across the playground in shrieking excitement.
Xochitl loves to come to the Club, it is where she plays with her friends, teases her brother and cousins, and has the opportunity to learn and grow. At eight years old, some of her favorite things are soccer, math, and helping her teachers and the staff at the Club.
Xochitl isn’t afraid to brag about herself a little bit: “My teachers said I’ve been doing good and getting a lot of things right. I like subtraction and I've been doing big numbers – like three-digit numbers.” Sometimes, as women, we lose the skill of singing our own praises, but at the Club, Xochitl is learning to use her voice.
She is also building strong relationships with her peers and the Club staff, helping Ms. Cynthia and Ms. Brooke as well as assisting the younger members who look up to her.
Not every day is perfect for Xochitl. Sometimes she fights with her cousins or one of her friends is sad, but each day she comes to the Club, Xochitl is taking steps towards achieving her greatest potential. Seeing the strength and bravery she has at just eight years old, we can’t wait to see what her future holds!
Hear from our CEO Erin Porteous and meet other amazing female Club members in a CEO Update: Celebrate International Day of the Girl With Me>>