Club Experience Paved the Way for 2019 BGCTC Youth of the Year Johanna Chhay
For many Club kids, love for their Club experience is immediate. Others find it is more of a slow, careful, and thoughtful journey. For Johanna Chhay, 2019 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, the latter rings true.
It took the right Club activity (gym!) to spark her interest and an engaging staff member (Jon) to help her come out of her shell, join in, and realize the Club was the safe place she needed. Chhay can still recall the memory from nearly five years ago, “He was silly and fun and he wasn’t so serious all the time. You knew he loved his job and he created a fun space kids wanted to be in.”
The rest, as they say, is history. In Johanna’s case, we see the broader and deeper impact the Club experience can have for one youth.
Like other teens, Johanna has bumped up against challenges related to relationships, self-esteem, and purpose. “I often felt as though I wasn’t good enough. Growing up with deaf parents made me grow up faster than my peers.” She credits the Olympia Boys & Girls Club for helping change her perspective and giving her tools to persevere, “The Club allowed me to be kid, freed me from the responsibilities I had, and provided guidance to work through issues.”
Johanna vehemently believe she would not be the person she is today without the Club. When described by teachers, mentors, and adults with words such as determined, resilient, motivated, and reliable, Johanna smiles and giggles in a way that hints to her pride and slight embarrassment. “It feels great to hear that, but I also know the adults saying those things influenced me and help my growth. Their belief in me helped me try new things and take on new responsibilities.”
One of those “new responsibilities” has become a passion. Johanna’s involvement at Capital HS involves working in the Theater department and taking classes in visual arts. She also continues to serve the Olympia Club as president of their Keystone Club, a community engagement program for teens, and volunteers regularly to help younger Club members when her schedule allows. “I want Club kids to feel they are valued and to feel they belong… just like people did for me.”
Johanna advances to the Washington State Youth of the Year event and possible regional and national competitions. No matter the distance of her journey in the Youth of the Year program, her future is already looking great. As the local Youth of the Year, she received and plans to use a two-year tuition grant to South Puget Sound Community College. After, she plans to pursue additional studies and eventual employment in professional theater.
Read more about the Youth of the Year program and meet the 2019 nominees from all five Thurston County Clubs.
