Faith O.

When Faith joined her Club at seven years old, she was worried she’d make no friends. “I was a relatively quiet kid opting to keep my head in my studies rather than interacting with anyone.” Even though Faith loved dancing, she was scared to join in. But one day, the dance instructor saw her looking through the window and invited her in. After that, she was attending dance lessons every day and making new friends in the Club.

Her experience with dance and guidance from the staff taught her to open up and pursue what she loves — and it turns out she loved community service. Faith joined Torch Club, serving kids dinner in the cafeteria and embarking on more community service projects for Lawrence youth. Eventually, Faith joined Keystone Club and became Vice President.

“I’ve always envisioned my experience at the Club like frost traveling up a car window on frosty October nights,” Faith says. “It begins at the base until it travels its way to the top of the windshield — until my entire person is coated in a thin sheet of its influence, until it feels at home.” With metaphors like that, it’s no wonder Faith also has a deep passion for poetry too! Her first poem with the Andover Bread Loaf Writer’s Workshop was at a writing conference at the Club, and now she works hard to instill a love of writing in her community’s youth.

Now, Faith is bringing her passion for community service and love of writing together. She thanks the confidence her Club instilled in her for all that she has accomplished. “So, like the frost that lays a thin sheet over a car windshield on frosty October nights,” Faith says, “I can confidently say I am home.”