Moving to America during a time of religious unrest was the only way for my family to survive.  I was born in Tashkent, a small city in Uzbekistan and at the age of three we left the only home I knew.  We came to America with eight suitcases and eight hundred dollars for my family of four and my grandmother.  None of us spoke English; we struggled to communicate with anyone.  Prior to our move, my dad contacted his only friend in the United States, Phil, and asked him to help us get on our feet when we came to Bellevue.  Phil helped us get an apartment, and helped my dad get a job. When we came to America my mom began school to learn English and to obtain her nursing degree. Without my parents around, my brother and I found our way to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue.

In those first years, there were a number of struggles my family had to overcome; the most important being housing, health care and education.  My family lived in Spirtwood Manor, a federally assisted Housing Complex.  Health care in America was more expensive than in Russia so my dad had to work two jobs, one at 7-11 and the other as a busboy, to ensure our family had medical coverage.  Because of my dad’s hard work, my mother was able to only work one job.  Beyond their jobs, both my parents also went to school full time because they strongly believed that the only way to succeed in life was to have a good education.

The hardest part of growing up was spending very little time with my parents as they were never home; they were either at work or school. I couldn’t share my day with them and I would sometimes seek the advice of my brother, but in most cases, attempt to solve my problems myself.  I missed my parents, not only for the support and advice, but also for the simple things like being able to say goodnight to my mom and dad.

Fortunately, my brother and I found the Boys and Girls Club. The Club played a huge role in my life; the staff at the Club literally helped raise us. The program was free, which was the only way we could go because my parents could not afford it.  The Club fed us during summers, taught us new things, and even gave us gifts during the holidays – without which we would not have celebrated.

Because my parents were either at school or at work, the Club became my second home.  The Club was fun, but I also know this is where I learned some of the most basic things I needed to know. I was three years old when I walked into the Club.  I didn’t speak English, I knew nothing of American culture and it was the only place I could go during the day while my parents were working.

My parents stressed the importance of education, but their language skills were very limited.  Anytime I had to do something in English, I went to the Club.  I knew they would not only wanted me to success academically, they expected it from me. I knew I could not fail with their support.

The staff was my second family.  They were loving and caring; they welcomed me into the Club.  I remember hanging out, talking and laughing, always knowing there was someone there I could trust.  I never doubted my place at the Club. I knew I was home.

Looking back on my time at the Club, I realize how much of whom I am today is because of the Club.  I value education because of the countless hours spent in Power Hour. I value family because I always had a place I was accepted and loved unconditionally.  And I value my community, which has given me so many opportunities.

I’d like to share with you where our family is now.  Because of the hard work of my parents, we have been able to move into a house in a nice area of Bellevue.  My mom currently works at Evergreen Hospital and is a registered Nurse. My dad is a facility manager for the Center for Information Services.  They have worked extremely hard to achieve what they have and I am very proud of them.

My brother, who was the Club’s Youth of the Year in 2002, is completing his last quarter at the University of Washington to complete his degree in Business and Finance.  He works for Washington Mutual as senior executive personal banker.  He is a great role model in many aspects and is teaching me about the business world today.  He has always told me that you should always give back to the people that have helped you grow as a person.  I plan to continue to follow his advice, so that one day I can be just like him.

I do not believe that my parents realized what was possible when they registered us at the Boys & Girls Club shortly after moving to the United States.  I am sure they did not know that it would become our second home and assist us in so many ways throughout the years; even as our family struggled to overcome many hardships throughout the years.  I am so thankful for all I have received from the Club and the opportunities it has provided me to give back.