Donors have given this young lady the chance to practice what she loves.
With donor support, the children’s home changes the lives of many youth, giving them the strength they need to continue their passions and develop new ones.
When Aba moved to the children’s home at age 9 from Philadelphia, she had a much better educational foundation than most, but she and her brother still needed the stability the children’s home offered. Upon her arrival, Aba worked with house parents and tutors to reach academic expectations and began enrolling in advanced courses and sports. She set goals for herself and has always been determined to reach them. Now a senior in high school, Aba’s hard work has paid off.
She has become self-disciplined while balancing advanced high school courses, field hockey, lacrosse, volunteer work, an online college course and a part-time job at a local restaurant. Aba has also earned membership in the National Honors Society the last two years, one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a high school student. National Honors Society inductees must have a GPA of 96 percent or higher and exemplify the best attributes of character and leadership through volunteer work.
She has been passionate about volunteering with the Four Diamond’s Fund to benefit children facing cancer and their families, as well as serving as a role model for some of the youngest residents of the children’s home. Aba’s peers also voted her onto the Homecoming Court this fall.
Aba’s involvement in sports has motivated her when times were tough and has improved her physical, mental and emotional health. Playing field hockey (officially as an all-star) and lacrosse, along with living at the children’s home, has also taught her how to be part of a team and trust others.
Anyone who knows Aba knows she faces every challenge head on, including moving to the children’s home. “Unlike most kids, I wasn’t nervous at all to come here,” Aba recalls. “It was an adventure I was ready for, and I was excited to meet and make new friends.”
Aba is looking forward to attending Penn State University in the fall. Her plans are to study psychology in hopes of one day becoming a forensic psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where she would evaluate criminals, assess juries and advise law enforcement officials. One tough job for one determined young woman.
“Because of the children’s home, I’ve been able to look at colleges of my choice and attend field hockey and lacrosse camps over the years,” Aba said. “All of that is really important to me.”
Aba doesn’t know what her life would be like without the children’s home, but does know her time here has been a blessing. “I like being around people who constantly show so much love and care for my well-being,” she says.