During this holiday season, we are reflecting on transitions and how to navigate them as they inevitably come. Today, we are sharing part two of Axel’s story. If you missed part one, click here to read!
As Axel prepared for his transition to high school, he continued on a journey of growth. The urgency to mature was palpable as he took his first steps towards becoming a StreetLeader. Nothing made it feel more urgent than his first day of summer camp as a StreetLeader.
“I had to let go of some childish behavior,” Axel explained. “Because the summer of my 8th grade year, I was constantly getting in trouble because of my behavior. I wouldn’t listen, but now I have to be responsible with work….It was the first day of UP for the summer. I spent time with the kids and I realized it was hard to lead while also being childish.”
Axel, 2018
Amidst the challenges of transitions, it became evident that what helped Axel get through so many changes was the community he found at UrbanPromise because being rooted in community during transition leads to resilience.
Transition can be hard to navigate, but it's community that makes it possible to not walk through it alone. What gives peace to Axel in the midst of transition is talking it out with someone he trusts and sharing how he feels.
As a camper, Axel had a StreetLeader who stood with him during the changes he faced.
Axel with a group of middle school students, 2020
“Tati was just always there for me. She would help me out with problems I had and give me advice and would always be there to listen to me.”
Tati, a StreetLeader alumna, was a voice of wisdom and support as he navigated transitions. She impacted him during her time as a StreetLeader and her impact had a lasting effect on Axel as he decided to become a StreetLeader.
“She’d tell me to be the StreetLeader she was to me because she knew she impacted me,” Axel remembered. “I always told her I wanted to be a StreetLeader like her because she was always so nice. I just remember her giving me a hug and telling me that it will be ok.”