Page 16 - BGC prototype

The Club is My Family Viet Ta, BGCD Member “I am the author of my life, and I surround myself with a cast of supporting characters, “ declares Viet Ta, club member and rising high school senior. That self-possession would be noteworthy coming from any teen, but perhaps more so given that Viet moved from Vietnam to Dorchester only about a decade ago. The culture here was so different. Learning English was a struggle. Connecting with other kids was a challenge. Then, Viet joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester. Homework Club was his early focus. He still remembers his first day, meeting Joel \{\{surname\}\}, who ran the help sessions then and now. “He is a great leader and so understanding,” Viet says. His language and academic skills steadily improved. His self-confidence, though, lagged. “The club is a place where everyone is made to feel welcome. I loved going everyday, but struggled a little socially. I wanted to fit in, but needed some guidance.” Club staff plugged Viet into the full range of opportunities, but the biggest turning point was meeting Brendan McDonald, Director of Program Development. Brendan invited Viet to join a fitness program that he ran. Like the club, the primary tenet of the class was inclusion — come as you are and we will all support each other. The class was equal parts body-building and confidence-building. At the start, Viet admits that he could “barely do one pushup.” But he kept at it, becoming the most committed student in the class. “Pretty soon,” he says, “physical training was the only thing I wanted to do.” In fact, he is looking into pursuing the field in college. Viet does also make time, though, to tutor in the Homework Club. He loves his job, especially talking with Vietnamese families at pick-up time. He adds, “The smiles on the kids’ faces everyday really make the work satisfying.” He met his best friend at the club. He gained a mentor who changed his life. And he has the satisfaction of already playing a similar role for other children. As Viet puts it, “The club is my family.” 14