Kitsap Cares Story #7
“I wasn’t being judged and I could feel comfortable just being me.”
— Christina, past B.I. Teen Center Board Member
When she arrived at high school, Christina didn’t know many people. A friend introduced her to The Bainbridge Island Teen Center and adult Director Shannon Buxton. Christina recalls conversations with the director. “She didn’t label me. She made eye contact and asked me follow-up questions. She didn’t talk at me, but she wanted to listen to me.”
Christina’s leadership as a Teen Center Board member included involvement with building the Battle Point Playground. “It was fun working outside, doing something good. It was the first time I really felt connected to our larger community. It was the Teen Center that helped me feel this way.”
“I was safe and able to be who I was. I wasn’t being judged. Shannon and the Teen Center changed my life for the better.”
*Development Asset #7: “I feel valued by adults in my community.”
The Search Institute has identified 40 Development Assets that help young people grow up to be health, caring and responsible.
