Marina has been a participant at Girls Inc. since she was six years old. Over the years, she has explored many areas of programming, like art expressions, STEM, recreational gymnastics, and dance. Now in middle school, she’s regularly participated in the Afterschool Experience, Bold Futures Leadership, and Summer Camp. This past year, she also took part in Girls Inc.’s digital wellness program in partnership with #HalfTheStory, “CTRL Your Scroll.”

One of the most meaningful parts of Marina’s experience has been the deep connections built with other girls. Because she and one close friend share similar experiences, she felt safe opening up on a particularly difficult day. Marina asked a staff member if she could speak with her friend privately. “She was there for me because I was crying… she just said it was okay and started hugging me.” On a recent field trip to a rock climbing gym, Marina gave the support this time, encouraging the same friend who was afraid to climb, reassuring her that she would be next to her and to take it one step at a time.

Since being involved with Girls Inc., Marina has experienced meaningful growth in both her actions and attitude. “I’ve seen positive change in my actions and my attitude,” she explained. “I’m more respectful than I was, to adults and my friends. I work harder in school. Before, I thought grades don’t matter—they do matter. I’ve learned to think of what I’m going to say before I say it.”

Our School Year programs and Summer Camp, she says, have helped her develop social-emotional skills, teaching her to manage her feelings, take space when needed, and work through conflict in healthy ways. “I’ve learned to take space from people when I’m upset. That was really hard. When I first came here, if I was in a bad mood, I’d put it on everybody around me. Now I’m resolving more of the problems.” She also values the supportive environment these programs create, where girls can speak up, share openly, and encourage one another. In those moments, Marina is learning to express herself confidently while using her voice responsibly: “Every girl can be herself,” she said. “But when you’re being yourself, always be respectful and kind.”

While she hasn’t always felt like she fit in at school, Girls Inc. has given her a place where she feels accepted. “Most of the people here understand me for who I actually am,” she said. “Everybody’s got your back. People are there for you and they’ll talk to you whenever they have time.” To her, the environment created by staff reflects inclusion and support. “[They] reach out and always ask, ‘How was your day?’ or ‘Are you doing okay?’… When I’m struggling or when something happens, people from Girls Inc. reach out, and they actually care.”

Academically, she has become more focused and motivated. “In Girls Inc., we learn a lot and we have homework time. When I’m older, I want to be a doctor, so I really want to get my grades up and work harder than I was before.” Programming and mentorship that encourages her learning outside of school has inspired her to prepare now for what she hopes to achieve later.

When asked what she would say to another girl considering Girls Inc., Marina says: “You can be yourself and people will always respect you and be there for you. It’s fun because we do a lot of activities and go places sometimes—it’s just active and exciting…The staff are amazing.”

Through years of participation, Marina has grown into a more confident, compassionate, and motivated young leader—someone who both receives and gives the support that makes Girls Inc. feel like home.