Devin's Story

The Boys & Girls Club is so important to me because it is truly a second home. By that I mean, it is a place where I can gain guidance and knowledge from mentors such as Montoya Graham. The Boys & Girls Club gives all students an opportunity to gain something of their lives. Starting off at the Boys & Girls Club, I was a student who did not have many options. I thought that I would not be happy again with my life. But coming to the Boys & Girls Club helped me realize that I could gain true happiness and it helped me do that. Calling the staff supportive would be an understatement; I have staff who truly guided me and supported me in ways that I needed at the time. I needed to try to find alternatives to make what I thought was a bad situation at the time (moving to Vacaville from San Francisco) to a good situation. I now utilize many of the resources and tools the BGC has given me into my work life, personal life, and my family life.

The BGC has had such an impact on my life. Yes, I know that sounds very corny to say, but there is no other way to say it. From the point at which into the BGC for the first time to the point at which I am not, I have noticed that my life has completely changed. The negative person that I once was has changed to a wholly positive person. I gained certain values at the BGC that I wouldn't have otherwise gained such as responsibility and accountability, integrity, and perseverance. I thank the BGC for all it's done for me. People look at me today and ask how am I so 'different' from regular teens. I am not; I have just had a great foundation -- part of which is the BGC. I am thankful that with the help of the BGC, I know that I can be successful. Now it is up to me to keep focus and stay goal-oriented.

Devin Murphy