My name is Alexandra Talavera. I am 15 years old and I attend the West San Gabriel Valley Boys and Girls club. For the past 9 years, the club has been a big part of my life. The club is much more than a second home to me; the club is my second family. I come from a family that is very supportive and is always pushing me to do my best and take every chance to excel in life. The club has done the same for me, even more at times. I can go to the club and always feel welcomed and loved.

Our Boys and Girls Club has a Peacemakers program which was established in the year 2000 and i have been involved ever since. Out of my 9 years at the club about 7 of them have been involved with Peacemakers.  In the program, we, the members learn how to help others in need, appreciate what you have, and overall learn how to be a leader. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Washington D.C and La Paz, to help out the farm workers and their families. The club continually offers me opportunities for a positive growth in life. I wish all of our members could be a part of such an amazing leadership program. Outside of Peacemakers, all the effort from our incredible staff is outstanding. Throughout the club i have learned the importance of volunteering.

My biggest accomplishment has been with the L.I.T program. I was the 1st member to start up their own program, a Sign Language Program with the younger members. My reason for starting this club is for the club members is to expand their knowledge and get the word out on deaf awareness. I am extremely passionate on educating about Deaf Awareness. I believe that through my posivite impact and dedication i can start to change and impact the world. Many people don’t know much about it, I am currently taking a class at Alhambra High School; this helps me to teach the kids at the club more about signing the language and the history of it. The kids enjoy it very much and I love teaching it to them.

I have had the honor to work with children/adults with developmental disabilities for the past five years. The club has exposed me to helping people in need we volunteer at SEEK a center for children with disabilities. I have also volunteered for the past three years with OPI (Organization for the Physically Impared) assisting/volunteering with blind individuals. 

 In 2007 I became Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Club for my efforts and volunteering at the club. For the past years that I have been here, not once has a staff ever had anything but a positive influence on me. The Club staff has helped my parents in raising me to be a better person in life, and I thank them all for this. It’s not just a club to me it’s a home with a family unlike no other!