Quieting the voice of self-doubt.

Being Strong, Smart, and Bold In high school, I discovered Girls Inc. of Westchester County and developed a community of support among my Girls Inc. family; they offered a space that was accepting, validating, non-judgmental, positive and inclusive – a place where I could confidently speak. As a member of the Girls Inc. community, I offered and received support with goals and challenges. Most importantly, my Girls Inc. community helped to quiet self-doubt. It was a safe place where I could be Ari without worrying about long sentences, misspelled texts, pulling out my calculator or counting on my fingers to figure out the change I should get back. They supported me in becoming the president of our high school’s girls fitness club. That was absolutely unimaginable for me two years before. Through their encouragement and support, I was not only the president, but I planned a healthy eating event open to the entire school! Having learning disabilities taught me the importance of a supportive community in building confidence and maturity. That is what Girls Inc. was for me. I am evolving. I am now really living and working with my learning disabilities while becoming less concerned with the people who don’t see my ABILITIES. Now, I am in my second year at Marist College and majoring in Social Work. I am quieting my voice of self-doubt, and Girls Inc. helped me learn to do that.

Arielle – Girls Inc. of Westchester County Alumna