When I first learned about Follow My Steps and their mission to bridge the socio-economic divide in low-income communities, through Mentorships, providing Career Skills and financial resources, I thought to myself -wow! If only I had these opportunities back where I grew up at, my life would have been different for sure. I know what it’s like to grow up in an unfortunate situation and so I decided-why not join this foundation and their mission and be a part of the solution within this community.

 

I grew up in the South Bronx, NY, in an underserved community, where hardship was a norm and my community consisted of many who had street smarts, not book smarts and severely lacked in both educational opportunities, as well as career opportunities. I didn’t have role models growing up, but what I did have were models of folks I knew I did not want to become and so with that in mind, I immersed myself in books and spent most of my days and nights in school. School became my safe-haven and led me to where I am today. So, if I can make a difference in at least one young person’s life, then that’s a start to a stronger community, breaking barriers and building brighter futures.

 

One event that’s had the biggest impact was the ‘Cultural Steps” event. I was able to participate in the Financial Literacy workshop, alongside the youth that brought them to realize that being an adult is more than they expected. It educated them on everyday expenses from simple things like the cost of food, to more complex things like Rent/Mortgage and car ownership. This class also shed light on salary earnings, depending on their career choices. After the workshop, seeing the youth come together, socializing, openly discussing what they learned while savoring different ethnic foods, hearing them ask one another how a certain dish tasted because they were afraid to try it first, will be a moment to remember for all.

 

I’ve seen firsthand how this foundation has served the youth in our community by offering Financial Literacy classes, which is helping prep them to make smarter financial decisions into adulthood. I’ve witnessed this Foundation push these Explorers to become a better version of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally through the Fitness Program offered on Saturdays. To see these Explorers show up on time, get into the work out and encourage one another to keep going when the going gets tough is a bonus! And so, I whole-heartedly believe in the mission of Follow My Steps and encourage others to get involved and be that village for the upcoming future leaders in our community.