Kristin had experienced quite a bit of turmoil in her life through her family situation prior to being introduced to Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County and wanted to share her thoughts with us.

“I want to share with you all some facts about my personal life and where it has taken me and where I am today. I was introduced to the BGCCC where I began to work on my personal image and beliefs. Through strong leadership and loving arms I began to strengthen and stand firmly on my own. I was taught that it was not my fault and that I could not change or make things happen. They taught me how special I was, you see, I knew from my mom that I was special, but of course that’s my mom.

At my Club I was made to feel that I am part of a special and elite group of individuals who were put here for a reason. I have learned not to be afraid and that certain things happen for a reason. I have been influenced by positive people for 8 years now, and I believe that the caring staff and mentors have been very helpful in teaching me how to deal with a variety of situations. They have also helped me raise my self-esteem level as well as my confidence level. In 2003 I was voted to represent my club as the Youth of the year, I am currently the member of the Titans Keystone Club, I was selected to represent the Boys & Girls Club at the JCPenny’s AfterSchool Gala and through school I received the President’s award for achieving all A’s in school.

Being at a positive place has brought me very far in life and has led me down the road of education, hope, love, and happiness. I give back to my community through volunteer programs at my club. My world has since changed for the better and all I see when I look in the mirror is a successful, smart, and beautiful child, that will grow into a wonderful, productive and caring young woman. Being trapped in the past will never help but learning and knowing where you are now will open up many doors. I have that in my Club, whose doors are always open.”