September 2020 Face of Great Futures
Makayla is 17 years old and has just begun her senior year at Horace Mann High School in North Fond du Lac. She has been attending the Boys & Girls Club since 2nd grade, which adds up to 10 years! Most recently, Makayla transitioned from a Club member to one of our staff, and can be found working at the front desk of our Johnsonville Club location. She currently lives with her father in Fond du Lac and has four siblings; a 24 year old brother, 16 year old sister, 2 year old brother and a brand new baby brother or sister on the way.
Makayla shared that she feels like she has grown up faster than most kids, and often acts as a caregiver for her younger siblings and cousins. This, along with the experience she had when her grandmother was battling cancer, has encouraged her to want to become a CNA in the future. Makayla also loves working with kids, but ultimately was so impacted by the wonderful care her grandmother’s CNAs provided, that she has become passionate about doing the same for others.
When it comes to the Boys & Girls Club, Makayla stated. “Club has always felt safe to me, and it’s a place where I can just be carefree and take time for myself.” Her favorite thing about Club is being able to talk to staff openly about life. She added, “There are so many times when I come to Club feeling down but I always leave with a smile on my face.”
Outside of the Boys & Girls Club, Makayla enjoys drawing, staying active by going for walks and hikes, spending time with her boyfriend and cleaning her bedroom. She also loves spending time with her cousins, who are more like siblings because they are all so close. When asked to choose three words to describe herself, Makayla stated that she is “strong, motivated, and tired; but even when I’m tired, I will always keep pushing myself.” She added that what she admires most about herself, is that she is always willing to try, and if she fails, she tries again and works to figure out another way.
Makayla shared that if she could go anywhere in the world, she would travel to New York City. When asked if she had any advice our younger Club kids, she stated, “If life gets you down, keep fighting. It’s worth it!”