“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” — Dr. Seuss
Every time I read this quote, I automatically think of my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Perry. She may not even realize the huge impact she had on my life. Your actions may seem small at first, but the "little" things add up to the "big" things.
When someone asks how your day was and care to hear your answer.
When someone finds you in a vulnerable place and simply meets you where you are.
In the last six months, this is exactly what Alex*, 9, has done for Jason*, 6, in their time together at the Club. When COVID shut the world down, Jason was only 4 years old. When the Clubs reopened in-person, he had never gone to school or regularly been in any setting where he was around other children his age. He was overwhelmed, and developed crippling social anxiety.
Alex saw Jason's struggle. He never asked why he was crying, or screaming, or not playing with anyone else. Alex sat on the ground with him. He played with toys and games that Jason wanted to play. He helped him feel safe.
It is not only the role models of staff, mentors, and volunteers that make the Boys & Girls Club a positive place for kids. Sometimes it is also kids helping kids, in a way that only they can.
