Achiever Spotlight: Serena

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: Serena*.

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Serena joined Friends-Boston one year ago to help support her academically in reading and writing. In that time, she's made powerful strides in setting goals for herself and exploring her passions. She joined Friends-Boston with her sister. Their family's been resilient in navigating the foster care system, as well as challenging family transitions that made school and social relationships difficult. However, she often has a positive attitude and brings a smile to those around her wherever she goes.

She's been working on her reading skills at school and with her Friend (professional mentor), Joelleen, and she's made impressive improvements in independent reading and in building her academic confidence. Serena is also a performing arts powerhouse. She has a strong love of gymnastics, roller skating, dancing and singing, and she frequently participates in performances at her community center's events. She even tried boxing for the first time this past summer and loved it! She dreams of becoming a cheerleader when she's older.

This holiday season, Serena's family was chosen to receive some extra gifts for their home, including new household items, bed frames, mattresses, groceries, and more, which brought her mom to tears of joy.

When talking about Serena, Joelleen had this to say: "Serena is a joy to be around. She always makes me laugh and puts a smile on my face, and her passion for dance and learning new things inspires me! She's had to be so resilient in her early childhood, so it makes me so happy to see her following her dreams and relishing in her favorite hobbies! Friends-Boston is lucky to have her."

We can’t wait to see what Serena will achieve as she continues to grow and learn. Whatever she does, we know she’s going to do great things!

*Name changed