Achiever Spotlight: Aaliyah

Our monthly Achiever Spotlight highlights current and alumni Achievers. For current Achievers, we look at how the Friends-Boston program is impacting them today. For alumni, we see the role the program played in helping them to find success after they graduated. Their stories are part of our story, and we're excited to share them.

This month, we're highlighting a current Achiever: Aaliyah*.

Aaliyah is a Friends-Boston Achiever who's been involved with the program for four years, since she was in kindergarten. During that time, April has been her Friend (professional mentor).

Like each of our Achievers, Aaliyah has dealt with her share of challenges. She's struggled with health issues that have impacted her ability to regularly attend school. When the COVID pandemic emerged, her family, like many others, was forced to enroll her in online school. Both situations have impacted her academic and social growth, but she hasn't let them keep her from rising to the meet the goals she sets for herself.

Aaliyah loves art and wants to be a cardiologist when she grows up.

When out with her Friend April, they love drawing, working on creative projects, and working on academic skills. Aaliyah recently wrote and illustrated her own book through our Mighty Readers program!

When talking about Aaliyah, April had this to say: "Aaliyah makes us laugh with her silly antics and jokes and is quick to support other Achievers who may be having a hard time with her upbeat attitude. She never fails to put a smile on my face!"

Aaliyah has a bright future filled with many opportunities, and we can't wait to see what she'll accomplish in the future!

*Name changed