Notes about the SOHO Interns

Brianna and Odalis, the second cohort of SOHO interns, have made an indescribable difference on mentee and mentor experiences this year, as well as on the overall functioning of the program.

“Brianna and Odalis make SOHO better. They have been where we are and they are young. We can relate to them because it hasn’t been that long since they were our age.They make me feel happy because they are good companions, are helpful, and they do a lot for us.They are good at helping with the projects. Brianna is good at talking with us and makes us laugh. Odalis makes me happy when she sits with me. She is fun and she shows that she trusts me.They take time to be with us when they have busy schedules with school and work. They take the time for us which makes me feel happy and thankful that they think about us and SOHO.They’re really fun and one of the best parts of SOHO.” -Thiara

SOHO mentor, Maggie, reflects on her mentee/SOHO intern, Brianna, below.

In March, I enjoyed dinner and milkshakes with my mentee, Brianna, to celebrate her 17th birthday! It really doesn’t feel that long ago when I met Brianna during her 5th grade year, and although every birthday we celebrated together reminded me that she was growing up, this one made me reflect on what an independent, kind, and hardworking young adult that she has become. In only a few short months she’ll enjoy her summer break before entering her senior year.Acapstone year, with the “real world” awaiting her. I feel so fortunate to have been matched with Brianna during SOHO in 2016, to share in countless hours of homework, to experience new adventures together and conquer fears, to watch her confidence grow, and to see her excited to serve our community. SOHO successes come in all shapes and sizes, and Brianna is just one success story that shows how a little extra support can provide a world of growth. My note to Brianna on my most recent reflection is shared here for the supporters of SOHO to hear more about the impact of this program.

Dear Brianna,

I am astounded by your growth since meeting you. I recall one of the first projects we worked on together in 2016, the full body silhouette artwork, and it took a lot of prodding to get you to tell me about yourself, but I saw glimmers of excitement from you as we started to connect. I saw how SOHO provided a safe space for you to make friends from different schools with different backgrounds, and listening to you all laugh together made my SOHO nights my favorite night of the week.Then, at your 5th grade SOHO celebration I watched you deliver a speech that I don’t think you could have ever done at the start of the program.This was the first time I truly understood how much your confidence had grown since you started SOHO.

SOHO Club gave you the opportunity to meet even more friends from different SOHO years. I remember by the time we left the beach trip in 2019 that you had 2 or 3 great friendships that you established in the 2.5 days together.You all had a shared experience when you enjoyed the beach for the first time, and the laughs and screams coming from you all as waves rolled in is something I’ll never forget. During the pandemic we had to get creative about how to hang out and connect with SOHO Club but your commitment and gratitude for what SOHO provided was apparent, and you helped give back to SOHO when we gave you new opportunities. Do you remember when we asked you to lead the gingerbread house making event on zoom? You were a little nervous at first, but you provided some great tips to the younger SOHO Club members and spoke with confidence.

As your confidence grew, you were more excited than ever to explore new opportunities. When SOHO asked if you were interested in being a volunteer 4-H summer camp counselor you worked hard on your application essay.You excelled as a counselor your first year and took it upon yourself to apply and coordinate your volunteer application for the following year.This experience at 4H camp helped prepare you for the SOHO internship that you’ve been a part of this year, and it is amazing to watch how this opportunity has allowed your independence and communication skills to grow. I have watched you learn how to better manage your time as you balance school, extra curriculars, and the internship. I have seen how you have used the money you have earned to save for the future, enjoy time out with friends, and show others you care through gift giving.You are now part of the team that is providing SOHO support and this an amazing way to give back.

Brianna, I hope you know that you have changed my life and I will forever believe that volunteering for SOHO is one of the best decisions I made when I moved to Alexandria. Keep striving to be great, keep laughing, and keep opening doors for strangers. I am so proud of how much you’ve grown since I met you in 2016, and I can’t wait to see all the other amazing things you’ll do in life.

-Maggie

Maggie (left) and Brianna (right) during Brianna's 5th grade Space Transformation

Maggie and Brianna ice skating at a SOHO Club event when Brianna was in middle school.