Every month, we celebrate an Achiever who has shown incredible growth, perseverance, and dedication to their goals. This month, we are proud to spotlight Jessica*, a ninth grader who’s funny, creative, and always on the move. Over the past year she built a set of tools to keep going when a day doesn’t go to plan, and then used them to walk into a room full of strangers.

When Jessica’s school counselor told Kadijah, Jessica’s Friend (professional mentor), about an apprenticeship program in the city, Kadijah knew it was a big ask. Jessica would get to explore different career paths, but she’d do it in a room full of peers she had never met. Meeting new people has never come easily to Jessica, and that fear had held her back before.

This time, Jessica signed up, and she kept showing up.

“I was proud of her bravery to agree to sign up and join the program. This marked a huge point of growth for [her].” — Kadijah

Jessica had been building up to that moment for months, alongside Kadijah. Kadijah gave her a journal to carry to school, and Jessica writes in it whenever a day starts to feel like too much. Jessica learned that coloring helps her reset during hard moments in class, so her teachers started keeping sheets ready for her. She leaves affirmations on her desk to help her stay focused. Every outing with Kadijah starts the same way: agenda open, homework first. Together, they’ve also practiced how Jessica can speak up for herself with her teachers.

These are Self-Management skills, one of the nine Core Assets every Friend builds with their Achievers, and Jessica has made them her own. People noticed. Jessica’s teachers and counselor reached out to Kadijah often with good news, and one teacher texted just to say Jessica’s extra credit assignment was outstanding.

“Something I’m proud of learning this year is getting better at my homework and finishing my assignments.” — Jessica

Jessica has had a Friend in her corner for seven years. Kadijah knows her well enough to recognize when an opportunity is also a stretch, and Jessica trusts her Friend enough to take it on. That trust is showing up everywhere. Jessica talks more openly with staff at our location, has long conversations with members of our leadership team, and bounces back faster when something goes wrong.

Ask Jessica about a time Kadijah made her feel proud, and she remembers the day Kadijah told her she was proud of her hard work in school. “It made me feel really happy and motivated.”

This year, Jessica is aiming for honor roll and a spot on her school’s flag football team. Someday, she wants to be a nurse “because I want to help people and take care of them when they are sick.” And if she could tell you one thing about herself? “I try my best and I like learning new things.”

Kadijah puts it simply: “She sees a bright future for herself.” Seven years in, so do we. 12+ years, no matter what.

Your support makes relationships like Jessica and Kadijah’s possible for more Achievers across Boston.

*Name changed to protect privacy.