A conversation with 3rd Grade participant Aubrey in Spring 2025

How long have you been at Girls Inc. and what programs have you been in?

I’ve been here for five years, because I started when I was three years old. I’ve been in Afterschool Experience, Summer Camp, Bold Futures Leadership, Musical Theater, STEM, and gymnastics.

What’s special to you about being at our center?

There’s only girls around, so you don’t have to say anything around boys. It’s more comfortable that way, and I feel comfortable with a lot of the people—I’ve met some of my best friends here!

I also like to read books at Girls Inc., and if I need a break when I’m in my class, Miss Tina lets me go to the Calming Corner, helps me with skills like breathing exercises, and offers a hug if I need one.

What are some of your favorite Girls Inc. memories?

I had fun doing gymnastics, and I like going on field trips to places like the Slime Lab. We got to make these big bubbles, and then we got to play and make other slimes. They also had a little area where you could make the slime into “ice cream”!

I like animals, so the petting zoo at Summer Camp was one of my favorite specialties. I like feeling the textures of their skin.  Petting the bunnies was my favorite, especially the baby one.

I remember the first day I met my friend Trinity at Summer Camp. I saw her crying, and I came up to her and asked her what was wrong. She told me she was scared, and I said that it was okay to be scared of something, but that she could be brave. She had lost her Barbie’s shoe, and I helped her find it. That’s how I made friends with Trinity, and we’ve been friends for three years.

What about Girls Inc. makes you feel “strong”?

I feel strong knowing that the staff trust me. When I heard that I was invited to go to New York for the National Luncheon this year, I got so happy because I found out that somebody trusts me to go out with a group somewhere and make good choices.

What about Girls Inc. makes you feel “smart”?

I feel smart when the staff tell me that I can do whatever I want to accomplish.

What about Girls Inc. makes you feel “bold”?

I feel bold when I can be brave and speak for an activity, or kill a spider (!), or be a good example of actions for younger kids, like a role model.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I might want to be a veterinarian, or maybe a pet groomer to give dogs hairstyles.

What would you say to another girl who’s thinking about participating at Girls Inc.?

Girls Inc. lets you explore the world and have new experiences. It’s the best place I’ve ever been!