Colorado Springs teen is overcoming obstacles
There are a lot of special members at the Boys and Girls Club on South Chelton Drive in Colorado Springs.
But one of them is extra special.
Fifteen year-old Abby Sandlin certainly has the respect of her friends.
“I think she’s loyal and I think you can trust her,” said Arianna Sheldon.
Gabriella Scott talked about a project that she and Abby worked on together. “On Valentine’s Day, she helped me make a Valentine’s Day heart for my dad,” she said.
Cesar Arbizo also was full of praise for his friend. “She’s an amazing person, she’s outstanding. I want to be like Abby,” he said.
Simple acts of helping would have been unthinkable for Abby a few years ago. Before she came to the Boys and Girls Club, Abby was very shy.
“I wouldn’t have reached out to anyone before. I would have been like ‘it’s not my job to do,'” she said.
At a very young age Abby had to take on a surrogate parent role at home.
She explained why, “my dad was a little depressed after he lost his job.”
There were also problems at school.
“I was always bigger than the other girls and taller, so I kind of got picked on,” she said.
For most people, family issues at home and bullying problems at school often lead to bad outcomes, things such as experimentation with drugs. But not Abby. She has found a spot in the National Junior Honor Society.
A few weeks ago, Abby was recognized for her efforts by being named as the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for the Pikes Peak Region.
In her acceptance speech, she focused on the importance of being strong in the face of adversity and being yourself no matter what other people say.
In a video message she challenged everyone “to defy the status quo, to be undeniably yourself, always and forever.”
And now, she’s taking that message to schools.
Elizabeth Simmons, the teen coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club, relayed a story that showed how powerful Abby’s message is: “a couple of weeks ago, we went to an elementary school – Abby and I – and she was talking to them and she actually made one of the kids cry. Not in a bad way, he was just so impacted by what she had to say.”
Even in her career choice, she’s shown a determination to help others.
“I want to be a neo-natal doctor,” Abby said.
A tough choice, but there’s a reason behind it.
“My little sister Natalie was born premature. She fit into the palm of our hand she was so small,” said Abby.
Boys and Girls Club volunteers and staff say Abby is on the road to success.
“She definitely has a bright future ahead of her and I think that she’s going to take it head on and do the best that she can and definitely succeed at anything that she puts her mind to,” said Simmons.
And that she’ll go on to give more people a helping hand.
Abby will be traveling to Denver to compete against other Boys and Girls Club youths to try and become the state youth of the year.
