Teaching with Heart: Enrique’s Journey to Empower Every Student

Ten minutes. That’s how long the walk is from my house to the Boys & Girls Club. From the road, you can see the Club’s blue doors, almost like a sign that you are going right where you belong.

But before I take you through those doors, let’s go back to when my family first moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic.

Finding a Place Where I Belonged

For my family, coming to the U.S. meant saying goodbye to everything familiar in pursuit of a better future. But in Florida, surrounded by a sea of kids who spoke fluent English, I often felt out of place.

As I grew, that feeling grew with me. I stopped speaking Spanish and threw myself into academics. Life felt like a competition I had to win, until I came to Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County at age 12.

At the Club, I found what I’d been missing: a community that saw me for who I am, and mentors who encouraged me to embrace every part of myself.

Looking back, the Club has had a huge impact on my life. The programs I joined, the lessons I learned, and the people I met all shaped the person I am today.

Through Keystone, I gave back to my community while other teen programs taught me essential skills for adulthood. But if I had to choose one experience that helped me grow the most, it would be the Youth of the Year program.

Harnessing Education to Support My Community

Through Youth of the Year, I met adult mentors who helped me recognize the importance of my journey to the United States, especially when it came to education.

For many students new to this country, learning English while keeping up with schoolwork can be challenging. Although some schools offer support, resources are often limited. In my case, the only accommodation I received was an English-to-Spanish dictionary during exams. Without adequate support, these language barriers can impact students’ mental health, education and future success in the workforce.

As I thought about my own experiences, I realized I wanted to help expand support systems for other kids from Spanish-speaking families. That’s why I started a Spanish program at my Boys & Girls Club.

With help from my mentors, I created my own Spanish curriculum for Club kids. But each week, I do more than teach; I create a safe environment where all young people can connect, learn and feel proud of who they are.

When I think about the over 40 students I’ve taught, I don’t just see their potential. I see an eight-year-old me, excited to share my language and culture instead of hiding it. But I didn’t stop there. My Club encouraged me to think even bigger, empowering me to advocate for stronger educational support throughout my community.

Becoming a Future Teacher

I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was six years old, and with my Club’s support, that dream is already taking shape.

During my sophomore year, I represented my Club as the St. Lucie County Youth of the Year at a school board meeting. There, I shared how Clubs provide resources for all students, along with my work teaching younger kids on my way to a career in education.

After hearing my story, the superintendent invited me into the district’s teacher pipeline program, making me the youngest person ever to receive a guaranteed teaching position with St. Lucie County Public Schools after graduating college.

The Club gave me more than an opportunity. It showed me that even small moments of encouragement can build confidence, spark potential and change a student’s future.

As Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026-27 Southeast Youth of the Year, I want to help build a world where education is a step forward for everyone, not a barrier to overcome.

My Club helped me turn my dream of becoming a teacher into a plan, and I’m committed to creating more classrooms where every child has what they need to succeed.

Proudly Graduating a Club Kid

During my time at the Club, I reconnected with who I am, found power in my voice and pursued my ambitions. Along the way, I graduated high school as valedictorian, now studying elementary education at the University of Florida.

I want every young person to have the opportunities I did. That starts with access to educational resources, caring adults, safe spaces and a community that believes in you.

I found all those things at my Boys & Girls Club. And today, I am proud to say: Me llamo Enrique y estoy orgulloso de ser un Club kid.