My name is Destiny Francisco and I currently attend Baystate Academy.

 

I first heard about “Follow My Steps” through my former 9th grade English teacher Kibbs, who is also part of “Follow My Steps”. I was interested in the program because I was interested in receiving mentorship and being supported academically. I was hoping to gain confidence by being in this program. I also wanted to become a better version of myself.

 

Getting into this program helped me become a better person because it helped me build my self esteem and helped me persevere through difficulties when trying to accomplish my goals. Thanks to “Follow My Steps”, I stayed motivated with the help of the team members. They played a huge role in my being able to study abroad with CIEE to study Spanish in Alicante, Spain this summer. I recently got accepted to study abroad and received a scholarship. I'm one step closer to achieving my goals.

 

The biggest changes I've seen in myself since becoming part of “Follow My Steps“ were having a growth mindset and improving my volleyball skills. For example, “Follow My Steps” has a mentorship program which helped me talk about my challenges and how to persevere through them. Another example of how “Follow My Steps” helped me improve my volleyball skills was attending the Best Fitness Program. This helped me get in shape for volleyball.

 

This program has helped me set high expectations for myself and hold myself accountable. It also taught me how to discipline myself. Being disciplined is very important when it comes to accomplishing your goals because you have to set high expectations. “Follow My Steps” was there with me through all of the difficult times and provided tremendous support. They helped me find ways to make everything better.

 

My relationship with my mentor and the leadership team is very strong. I have built strong relationships with Sil, Tyrone, Kashawn, and with my mentor Jayne. They have guided me and supported me through thick and thin. They even gave me advice whenever I needed any. One thing I learned from the team members is public speaking. Before, I wasn't really used to speaking in front of others. However, last year's Banquet helped me do so and boosted my confidence.

 

“Follow My Steps” has helped me shape my goals for the future and made them much more clear. They have helped me create a realistic lifestyle for how my life will will look like once I graduate. Once I graduate, I plan on becoming a Hair Stylist/Nail Tech. “Follow My Steps” supported my dream goals by giving me an Explorer Scholarship to help with the cost of becoming a Hair Stylist/Nail Tech, for which I’m grateful.

 

I would recommend “Follow My Steps“ to others around me because it creates a safe and positive environment. Many people are not surrounded by a positive/safe environment and becoming part of this program will provide you with the resources you need. You will receive mentorship. You get the help of others leading you towards success. “Follow My Steps” prepares you for the real world and continues to guide you through the challenges you face. “Follow My Steps” has changed my life.

 

They believed in me even though I didn’t believe in myself.