Rozaria’s Two Mottos for Being a Teen Change-Maker

There are two mottos I live by. The first motto is: “If not you, then who?”

The second is: “One world, many stories.”

That first motto comes from a mentor in my life who always reminded me of the responsibility we have to make a positive impact. I try to be an active listener to understand the experiences of people from different backgrounds so that I can broaden my perspective and create a more inclusive and compassionate world. 

I believe it is each generation’s duty to build upon what previous generations have achieved in the past to do even greater things. One of the strengths of my generation is that we’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and advocate for the issues we care about. Through my experiences with my Boys & Girls Club, I’ve learned how to apply my generation’s empathy and open-mindedness to be the change I want to see.

And I am just getting started.

From Cape Verde to Rhode Island

As a first-generation immigrant from Cape Verde, an island country off the west coast of Africa, I often felt like an outsider among my Rhode Island peers.

It was as if they had a secret manual on “How to Be American” that my family and I hadn’t received.

In middle school, I stuck out like a sore thumb. My culture, the foods I ate, the music I enjoyed and the way I looked were all so different from everyone else. I felt unprepared and insecure, as if I were constantly trying to fit into a mold that didn’t belong to me. During the pandemic, I felt especially isolated and alone.

Then, two things happened to help me embrace my uniqueness and build positive, lasting connections.

First, just before beginning high school, I visited Cape Verde again. Returning home, I felt a sense of freedom and self-acceptance. I realized that I no longer needed to conform to any expectations that didn’t reflect my true identity. I began to embrace my individuality without apology and I recognized that who I am is a beautiful expression of my cultural heritage.

Second, my mom urged me to join Boys & Girls Club of East Providence during my freshman year. I was hesitant, but she was persistent and convinced me to give it a try.

The Club became the lifeline that helped me overcome my depression and rediscover myself. It provided a sense of community and support and connected me with other kids, even through virtual meetings. Being able to speak with other kids who were going through similar challenges helped me feel less alone and develop strong friendships. Personal growth and character development is one of the things I value most about my experience at my Club.

Becoming a Leader & Inclusion Advocate

At my Boys & Girls Club, joining the Keystone leadership program was a major turning point in overcoming my depression and becoming a changemaker.

Keystone pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop the ability to motivate and inspire others. My mentors, Damian and Erin, along with my fellow Keystone members, helped me embrace my individuality and pursue my goals. With their encouragement, I took on leadership roles, moving from vice president to president of our group. In this new role, I led and supported my peers in implementing their ideas and programs. Our participation in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Summit for America’s Youth in Washington, D.C. further inspired us and provided us with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact.

As a minority student in a predominantly white community, I recognized the need for a safe space where students like me could discuss issues related to race and equity. I noticed that many of my peers, particularly students of color, didn’t have the support they needed to pursue offerings like AP classes, honors courses and student government. At Keystone meetings, we discussed how addressing these issues could enhance students’ overall development and provide valuable leadership opportunities. 

For our Keystone annual project, we worked to establish a Black Student Union and lead inclusion training initiatives at my school. The Black Student Union serves as a platform for marginalized students to have their voices heard, support their academic endeavors and address issues that are often overlooked or ignored by school administration. Through our trainings, we provide education and resources to help teachers and staff better understand the challenges faced by students of color. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

Being a member of Keystone Club and doing this work helped me understand the importance of my own mental health, the value of seeking help during difficult times and the amazing things that can happen with a supportive team on my side. Thanks to my Boys & Girls Club, I was able to see the positive impact I could make in my community and discover my purpose.

We faced challenges and resistance, but our commitment to making a difference motivated us to persevere. Through our efforts, we raised awareness and inspired others to join our cause.

What Boys & Girls Clubs Offer Teens

As the Northeast Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, I want to encourage more teens to join the Club. It’s hard being a teen today and many of us are distracted or focused on the short-term of our immediate future. Like me before joining my Club, teens may not realize the opportunities available to them. I believe it’s important to raise awareness about afterschool programs for teens.

Boys & Girls Clubs set teens up with resources, support and opportunities. And this is what really stands out to me: the Club doesn’t do the work for us; they give us what we need to do it ourselves. From college preparation and scholarship opportunities to sports and travel programs, the Club has something for every teenager. It’s a place where we can explore our interests, develop our skills and get support to achieve our goals. Most importantly, the Club listens to us and encourages us to be the agents of change our generation is destined to be.

I envision a future where young people have a strong voice and the opportunity to make a difference. Furthermore, I want every young person to understand that their voices and views matter.

If Not You, Then Who?

I’m college-bound these days and excited for what’s ahead as I work toward a career in cardiothoracic surgery at University of Rhode Island. 

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of repairing a person’s heart and became interested in cardiology and neurosurgery. In high school, I joined the pre-nursing program to explore different medical fields. I just turned 18, and I’m proud to have already earned my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license while gaining valuable hands-on training in healthcare.

As I navigate my future in medicine, I remain committed to advocating for change and acceptance, both for myself and others. I plan to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those around me and inspiring my generation to do the same.

If Generation Z doesn’t seize this opportunity, then who will?

Great Leaders Start Here

Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides caring adult mentors and life-shaping programs to millions of kids and teens each year. In safe, inclusive places, youth build the skills and resilience to thrive in school, the workplace and in life. Join us on our mission of helping all young people reach their full potential: