As a immigrant family, my mom worked long hours in a factory. She used public transportation or carpool systems to get to work, which meant she left early and got home late. Leaving a lot of alone time for me after school and I would either be alone or be taken care of by a neighbor who watches a group of kids. I got creative in way of spending my after school time by the time I got into the third grade I got my mom to sign me up for college crusade. As a child of a parent who never learned the language, I advocated for myself and tell my mom about these programs being offered. In middle school I attended Providence After School Alliance and in high school I did Eco youth, Youth pride inc, New Urban Arts and my school offered night school. I would say I found my sense of belonging in after school space, no matter the activity. It was nice to do something with people and to explore new ideas and at the time with out realizing growing as a person. I was challenge to see the world differently and also given safe space to attend gay prom and to walk down the middle of the pride parade. I was accepted for all that I was even if my community made me feel like the odd one out for not getting into trouble or doing other things that could of lead to long consequences. I wouldn’t say I was complete safe from poor choice because I made some mistake but the sense of belonging and safety that after school spaces provided did change my path.
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