Nicole is a 12 year old 6th grader who is very shy.  This is her first year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County and although she tends to be quiet, when she smiles it lights up the room.

Nicole’s dad passed away when she was little, so it’s been her mom and 3 siblings on their own for some time.  She’s close to her family but she says she feels more like herself when she comes to the club.

Since being at the club and participating in SMART Girls, Nicole has been able to open up more, she can speak in front of a group and she is able to identify her feelings more.  She has made a lot of friends who try to break her out of her shyness and are succeeding.

Recently Nicole’s teacher let the club know that she has been struggling in school, especially when it comes to doing homework.  Nicole now finds additional support from the Unit Director who lets Nicole complete her homework in the office and get extra help when needed.  She looks forward to doing her homework now and even seeks out additional staff when she is uncertain.

Nicole aspires to be a doctor but she also asked one day if she can have more than 1 job when she’s older.  When questioned what else she wants to do, she replied, “I want to work with shelter animals that no one loves or wants any more.  I want to be able to feed and love them.  I want them to be happy.”  Nicole also went on to say, “I found happiness when I came to the Boys and Girls club, so I want to make someone or something else happy-and I love animals”.

No doubt Nicole will go on to make many happy memories.