First, Aryiane Found Her Words. Then She Found Her Purpose.

As a child, I used to stare out the car window and wonder why the moon followed me wherever I went. No matter how far I traveled, it was always there. Looking back, I realize the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City also provided that same consistency in my life: always present and guiding me forward.

My Club journey began in kindergarten. I remember holding a big pamphlet about the Club, running up to my mom and saying, “I want to go, I want to go!” When I first walked through those blue doors, the Club was big, bright and full of life. What I did not know yet was that I was about to meet someone who would impact that journey forever.

Books & Blackberries: Reading with Ms. Karen

Growing up, reading did not come easily for me. Because of that, it took me a little longer to find the confidence to speak up.

That changed when I met Ms. Karen, a retired teacher. She came to the Club like our own Mary Poppins, carrying books, toys and blackberries from her own garden. Kids scrambled to be first in line to read with her because she made learning exciting.

Ms. Karen was the first person who refused to give up on me. She took her time, breaking things down step by step and making sure I truly comprehended what I was reading.

Because of Ms. Karen and the Club, I learned that reading wasn’t simply seeing a word on a page; it was the key to understanding, learning and growing.

As the years passed, the Club continued to be a place where I learned, grew and discovered more about myself. I didn’t know then just how much that foundation mattered.

The Year My Life Changed Unexpectedly

I was the first in my family to notice something was off with my grandmother. Her walk had changed; I knew something wasn’t right. We soon learned she had cancer, and within a month, she was gone.

I had lived with my grandma since first grade. We did everything together; she made small moments feel big. Losing her left a space in my life I did not know how to fill. I searched for that feeling of home again, for the comfort and familiarity I had always known. At my Boys & Girls Club, I found the support I was looking for.

During the hours my mom worked, the Club stepped in, providing meals, checking in, and offering guidance I couldn’t get anywhere else.

The Club had numerous programs that kept me involved and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Through Mighty Writers, I found a space to express myself and discovered my words held more power than I realized.

Through the Junior Staff program, I learned what it means to lead. I used to look up to the older kids at the Club. Now, I was one of them, helping younger kids with homework and being someone they could count on. It felt amazing. I wanted to give them the same support Ms. Karen once gave me. She had sparked something in me years ago, and now I have the chance to pass it on.

A Voice for Change, Community & Opportunity

Finding my voice was only the beginning. The Club helped me learn how to use it. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to honor Ms. Karen, delivering a speech during her induction into our Boys & Girls Club’s Hall of Fame. Standing before an audience and sharing the impact she had on my life was a full-circle moment.

As my confidence grew, I started using my voice for the school morning announcements, community service events, and discussing social issues at city council meetings. This led to being hand-selected by one of my state’s legislators, Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan, to shadow her. I even got to sit in on the New Jersey State House floor during Governor Mikie Sherrill’s budget address and introduce myself to her afterwards.

Seeing our government in action, with leaders pitching ideas to improve my state, made me realize that my voice matters and I can make a difference.

My Future, Advocating for Everyone

Sometimes you don’t know what’s possible until you’ve seen it. At my Club, I met mentors who looked like me. They didn’t limit my possibilities; they unlocked them.

As a future criminal defense attorney, I want to be a leader others can see and believe in.

Becoming Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026-2027 Northeast Youth of the Year reminds me that I can set that example for Club kids everywhere.

Since childhood, my Club has been like a second parent to me, always there to guide and encourage. They planted seeds in me that still grow today. From lessons on kindness to preparing me for college, I can say with certainty that I have the skills, determination and support to face whatever comes next.