Jessica R.

Jessica R.

My name is Jessica Rodriguez, and I started attending the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County at the age of 15. A friend, who was a youth worker at the time, suggested that me and my high school friends attend the Job Ready Program, and soon work for the club. Little did I know, attending the Club would change my life around!  I will always remember my first day, anxious and nervous to start something new.  “What’s up Youngin!” Ms. Latoya Spencer greets me at the door, “Are you here for Job Ready?” The welcoming staff made me feel like home, and I became eager to continue to come back.
Job Ready taught me many skills that I use today: professionalism, workplace etiquette, networking, and more! Once I became a staff member, I was a part of the SMART Girls program, the 76ers basketball camp, DASH program, and heavily involved with teen night. Things started to turn around, once I was named 2020 Youth of the Year for the Club!
Winning Youth of the Year gave me the confidence and resilience in my life. Coming from a family background where my accomplishments weren’t acknowledged, the Boys & Girls Club made sure to fill that void in my teenage years. I was also gifted with a full ride to Rowan University by the MHS Lift Scholarship! MHS Lift is owned by Andy and Brett Levin,
who are board members of the Boys’ & Girls’ Club of Camden County. The Levin brothers have supported and guided me throughout my four years of college by holding group sessions, providing college essentials, and overall being a helping hand throughout the process.
During my four years of college, I have been a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club, and was provided an internship, where I helped out Ms. Sabine Mehnert-Roehm on the marketing
side of the club. This offered an opportunity to grow professionally, while also giving back. I had a chance to reach the hearts of the kids, who needed it the most, and make an impact as much as I could.
The Boys & Girls Club has always served as a second home and a family to me! I have made lifelong friends and relationships. Ms. Latoya Spencer served as one of my vital mentors and role models as a teen, and now. Ms. Bernadette Shanahan and Ms. Sabine Mehnert-Roehm have experienced my growth and continues to support and uplift in my accomplishments. Mr. Rasohn Giles has shown me the importance of networking and confidence to achieve in my work. And of course, my lifelong BGCCC friends for being great coworkers: Essence, Dannelly, Amir, and Vanessa! Attending the Club has given me a range of lifelong skills that apply in my education, career, and personal development:

Attending the Club has given me a range of lifelong skills that apply in my education, career, and personal development:
● Leadership: Having the responsibility to be a mentor to the kids, organizing programs, leading groups, and more.
● Teamwork: From summer training to group projects, I consistently worked with my coworkers and collaborated on ideas and activities.
● Responsibility and problem solving: Since I was responsible for being a mentor, the administrative staff trusted me with taking on tasks and thinking on the spot to
solve issues.
● Empathy and social skills: Being a mentor, came with being able to be there for the kids emotionally and personally. At the club, I was faced with so many of the
kids’ challenges, which challenged me to be a listener and give advice to help them grow and get over obstacles.
● Most importantly, self confidence: In all aspects of my life, the staff, my peers, and the kids all helped me to realize my self worth and value!

The Boys & Girls Club of Camden County continues to show their love and appreciation for me everytime I step into the club! Everytime I felt low, the club always picked
my head up and showed me that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you to the staff, friends, kids, and board members who have helped me grow personally, educationally, and professionally.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing!