Dollars at Work: Crossroads for Kids
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Tatiana is a 18-year old student who participates in programming
at Crossroads for Kids, a Ride affiliate agency. In 2010,
Tatiana became an unofficial spokeswoman for the Ride. You
may have listened to her speak at our 20th Anniversary kick-off
or at the Ride event, and you may have heard the radio spot she
recorded on WEEI Sports Radio Network. A true “success story,”
Tatiana is an intelligent, spirited young woman possessing
poise and grace beyond her years, and below is her story,
in her words. She is proof that, with your support, every
kid in our community can live as we would want our own kids to live. Before Crossroads for Kids, I think most people thought I was a “good kid.” I got good grades, followed the rules, didn’t really get into trouble. But there was a lot going on beneath the surface. My mom was struggling with many issues and challenges, which made my life chaotic and I never knew what to expect at home. I didn’t really feel like a kid, I felt like the mom and was just trying to figure it all out on my own. At school I hid my head in books and didn’t really have any close friends because I didn’t want people to know what was going on at home.
When I came to Crossroads for Kids, I tried to hide but it didn’t work. The staff saw what I was doing and they pushed me out of my comfort zone. I didn’t really like it at first; I wanted them to leave me alone! But they kept trying to bring me around and they showed me that adults could be trusted. They gave me the opportunity to go on college tours, to participate in community service projects, to get help with my homework and to interact with my peers.
Riding 25 miles in the Rodman Ride for Kids on Team Crossroads was something I never thought myself capable of. Speaking at the event made the entire day a beautiful experience that I will always cherish. In those few moments, I was given the chance to tell thousands of people how much Crossroads for Kids has impacted me. I am eternally thankful that Mr. Rodman allows me to share this love. I biked not just for myself, but to show my dedication to Crossroads, my second family.
Today, I am in my senior year of high school and am working with my Crossroads family to determine where I will go to college. After nine years with Crossroads, I have learned that life isn’t about the cards you’ve been dealt: It’s about how you use them. Though my experiences do not define me, they certainly motivate me. Crossroads for Kids has shown me that life is there for the taking. All I have to do is ask for help and be open to whatever is going to come my way.
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