Just five years ago, Abria moved from her home in Detroit to the small city of Holland, Michigan. She was nervous to start her life over in a new place where she didn’t know a soul, and she struggled with the pressures of social acceptance and low self-esteem. Once she joined her local Boys & Girls Club, Abria found her home in Holland.

She was instantly welcomed into the Club’s tight-knit community and supportive environment. She learned to accept herself – flaws and all. She realized that no one is perfect and took to heart the words shared by one of her Club mentors: “Happiness is found when you stop comparing yourself to others. Beauty is found within you. It all starts with how you see yourself.” The Club helped Abria transform into the leader that she is today. She is now on her high school varsity cheer team, volunteers regularly in her community and has achieved honor roll every semester of high school.

Abria hopes to attend the University of Michigan and major in communications after graduating from high school. Her aspiration is to become a pediatrician.