Sy's Story

Sys

NATIONAL YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2020 "Now that I have grown with the Club, I realize that I am meant to be a leader..."

Hello, my name is Sy, and I am the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol's 2020 Youth of the Year and Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2020 National Youth of the Year. Throughout my life, I have struggled to fit in and feel accepted. I feared social interaction. Many adults in my life were naturally concerned. They would work with me to try to make me more social with no promising results. It wasn't until I was 11 years old that I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Even though I was being supported by adults in my life, I was still being molded into the position of a follower. I always assumed that I would follow the directions of others and show no initiative of my own. The Boys & Girls Club of Bristol ultimately changed that forever. I was 15 years old when the Club came into my life. After a year of volunteering every weekday, I was hired for my first job as a Youth Development Professional. I taught the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) courses in the Technology Center while often given advice from Club staff. This built confidence in me, and I began to break out of my shell. I was also asked to join Keystone, a leadership program for teens, which provided me with a positive group of friends and opportunities to make a difference in the community. As I pursued my education, my leadership and social skills continued to be sharpened by Club staff. I found a passion for teaching children about my favorite subject, STEM. In the fall, I will be pursuing Technology and Engineering Education at Central Connecticut State University. Being on the autism spectrum gives me a different perspective than most people. There are plenty of kids that I work with who are also on the spectrum. When I see their struggles with their peers, I'm reminded of my own. As Youth of the Year, as a Club staff member, and as a future educator, I have the platform to speak for these kids. Few children on the spectrum have a role model who has lived their struggle, and I hope to be that beacon of light. I am exceedingly grateful to the Club for all their support and for helping me to realize my full potential and passion. Before I was at the Club, I assumed that no matter what job I would take, I would not be in a leadership position. Now that I have grown with the Club, I realize that I am meant to be a leader, training the youth of the future.