A Picture May Be Worth a Thousand Words, but Sometimes Words Make A World of Difference Too!

Below is a letter drafted by a student that spent her Middle School Years (which are often the toughest for kids) attending the After School Program at MYSB.  She is an amazing young woman who to this day continues to give back to the community, especially the Youth Center. So the next time I, or anyone else begins to question the difference we can make in even one kid's life...well, I will just pull out this letter, and my tissues (again) and the answer will be in her words, which made a world of difference to us!

My name is CC Ciaudelli and I went to the youth center every day after school during middle school, and it was a great experience. The youth center provided me with all I needed during my time there. It was great to be able to go there after school and not only get my homework done, but have a good time instead of being a couch potato at home. The people who work at the facility are amazing. They all love the kids and want to be there, and are always there if the kids need them. I still talk to some of the staff there because we bonded so much and became so close, and I know I can go to them if I ever need anything. I feel like the youth center became my second family during middle school, and even throughout high school I still feel welcome there.

The youth center also gave me many opportunities which have helped me grow as a person. Within the youth center a committee was formed called Montville Youth Action Council. This committee was dedicated to helping the community through different projects, fundraisers, and campaigns. This group helped me discover my love of community service. The youth center changed my life direction is some ways because now one of my goals in life is to join the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. I feel that if I were never part of the Youth Action Council, I wouldn’t have realized how much joy community service gave me.

The youth center also helped me break out of my shell.

 I quickly became comfortable at the youth center, and I was never afraid to be myself. Before went I was scared that I wouldn’t have fun and I begged my mom to only make me go the minimum number of days required, but after the first day I told my mom I wanted to go every single day because I had so much fun. I made friendships and memories I will never forget at the youth center, and it helped make my middle school years memorable and extremely fun. Every day I had something to look forward to after school, which was a great motivation. It was also great to have the resources that the youth center provided. They had computers if I need to type a paper, staff that could help with any homework and multiple books to help me. The youth center provided me with a great experience and I can only hope that every other child that goes there gets as much out of it as I did.

 Sincerely,

CC Ciaudelli, 16

 *CC will be entering her senior year this fall at Montville High School; she is currently ranked #2 in her class and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society!