SAHAR

I immigrated from Afghanistan to the United States in 2016, and a few years later, during my junior year of high school, I was first

introduced to the Sacramento Youth Center.

The Center quickly became a second home, providing me with the feeling of belonging, support, and

encouragement.

After graduating from high school, I joined the Center as a summer intern, which gave me my first real opportunity to learn about

community work and youth development. Soon after, I became a Peer Support Specialist, where I mentored students and helped

them explore programs that focused on personal growth, mental wellness, and success skills.

It was fulfilling to see how the Youth Center continuously expanded to serve more students and introduce essential programs like the

Dimensions of Wellness and other initiatives that enabled more students to become better versions of themselves.

What really captured my attention and interest was the inclusive and welcoming nature of the environment, especially for immigrants

and refugees like myself. The Center celebrated cultural events such as Dia De Los Muertes, Nowruz, Ramadan, Black History Month,

Palentine’s, and Halloween, helping everyone feel a sense of belonging and community.

Through my time at the Sacramento Youth Center, I learned not only how to support others but also how to grow as a person and

a leader. The executives and staff were always supportive and dedicated to helping us achieve our goals.With the guidance and

motivation they provided, I am proud to say that I recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a major in Computer Science.

Looking back, the Sacramento Youth Center played a major role in shaping who I am today. It gave me the opportunity to give back to

the community, connect with others, and develop skills that continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life.