Judith recently graduated from her journey as a Club Kid to an Activity Leader staff member, and will soon begin a new expedition at Paradise Valley Community College. A self-proclaimed nurturer, her experience in the Club helped to cultivate her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse—but she will always be a Club Kid at heart.
Q. How long have you been a part of the Ed Robson Branch?
A. I joined the club when it opened its doors in December 2008.
Q. How has the Club changed since it first opened?
A. Programming has adjusted to the evolving needs of today’s kids. Other than that, it pretty much stays the same, which is comforting. I know if I come to the Club, it’s the same—it’s like my second home!
Q. What activities or programs were you a part of at the Club?
A. As a youth, I was a part of the Touch Club and Smart Girls. As a Teen, I was president of Keystone Club and played basketball and volleyball.
Q. How has the Club helped you in other aspects of your life – school, at home, sports?
A. As part of Torch Club, we would do community service projects and I really enjoyed that. I also discovered my passion of working with kids through the Club.
With Keystone Club, we took field trips to colleges and college fairs. I’ve always been interested in the medical field and really felt connected to the younger Club members. It just made sense. The Club helped me explore that and look more into it.
Q. You were chosen as a 2016 Youth of the Year (YOY). How do you feel about that? What does that entail?
A. I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the Ed Robson Family Branch and represent it as best as possible. It was a great honor. As YOY, I also did a lot of introspection. Knowing what I was doing was going to influence my peers helped me break out of my shell and put myself out there more.
Q. What advice would you give to younger kids about succeeding in life?
A. Be authentic. Always be kind. Remind yourself that everyone has a different path in life.
Q. What are your future plans?
A. For now, I am working here at the Club as an Activity Leader while attending college to be a pediatric nurse. Eventually, when I get my degree, I want to do humanitarian work and use my skills in other countries that don’t have much medical support. But I will always be part of this Club and stay involved.
Q. Anything else you would like to share?
A. Investing in our youth is the best thing a person can do. I feel like everyone should make it a priority. Youth are the future. If we want to better our world, we need to build it up.
Judith Rochin is a Freshman at Paradise Valley Community College
Samuel Watkins is a fifth grader at Brunson-Lee Elementary and also a member of the Bob & Renee Parsons Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. Samuel is known around the Club for being a model club member and is funny, outgoing and respectful. He participates in many activities like football and is friends with everyone. Here is what he had to say: