My name is Omarr; I am a seventeen-year-old senior at Seaside High School and the oldest of three children. I have been a Boys & Girls Club member for 11 years. Throughout my time at the Boys & Girls Club, I have participated in many different activities in the various learning and social rooms, as well as outside activities during field trips. The Club has taken us on a variety of field trips, offering learning experiences and creating memories with fellow Boys & Girls Club members.
One of my goals is to graduate with a Bachelors of Science degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice or Psychology from San Jose State University, CSU Long Beach, UC Davis or UC Santa Cruz. My interest in science has been partially influenced by a staff member at the Boys & Girls Club, Joe Garcia. Joe and I have been collaborating in the science center for the past few years. A project we have been collaborating on is Tech Challenge, a competition in San Jose, CA where groups of students present their project assignments for that year. Through participating in Tech Challenge, I acquired the knowledge and skills needed to excel in science.
Being a Boys & Girls Club member for the past decade has played a major role in my academic success. The staff insists on the completion of homework and is available for help when needed. In addition, tools are provided, such as computers, books and access to service learners, which are college students that volunteer as tutors to help members. Recently, I have taken part in The Club’s new College & Career Readiness Program, offering workshops and mentoring to prepare for the next steps after graduating high school. Through the Boys & Girls Club, I was also offered the opportunity to participate in Upward Bound with California State University, Monterey Bay, where I was further exposed to higher education and was able to earn college credits over their summer program. As of now, I’m in the midst of completing my college applications. The Boys & Girls Club staff, volunteers and executives have been hands-on in this process, with advice, resources, and the offering of continued availability when further guidance is needed.
My personal goal is to give back to my community by dedicating time to the Boys & Girls Club. After becoming a Forensic Scientist, I would like to come back to the science center at the Boys & Girls Club to facilitate labs and activities that relate to Forensic Science. My hope is that in volunteering my time and sharing my experience with future club members, they will be influenced by my story and inspired to reach their own goals. The Boys & Girls Club, with their help, efforts and support, put me on the right path to accomplish those goals in order for me to be successful. For this reason, the Boys & Girls Club is a major part of my life that I will always be grateful for.
