Find Your Great

“Through my time at Pace, I learned that accepting help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward growth. Before attending Pace, I didn’t want to accept help from anyone, and my mindset was more negative than positive. I struggled to believe that others could genuinely want to support me.  Pace's counselors and teachers taught me that things are always going to come at you in life, but it's what you do and how you think that matters the most. Pace has empowered me to face challenges with resilience and a sense of self-worth. Because of Pace, I feel better prepared to face the world with confidence.”

"I am proof of the power of the resilience and strength that lies within each of us. Through a variety of life’s challenges, Pace Center for Girls, Broward supported me academically and emotionally so that I could see a future that is bright! Now I have my high school diploma and am headed to Broward College to study nursing because Pace helped me BELIEVE IN ME!"

My name is Jade and I’m 17.  At Pace Citrus, I have found more than just support—I’ve gained an extended family. The staff are compassionate and non-judgmental and they celebrate me for who I am. Two years ago, I started experiencing panic attacks, often triggered by feeling overwhelmed at school. My ROTC First Sergeant suggested I check out Pace, believing I could benefit from their counseling while keeping up with my academics. Now, I plan to pursue a degree in Business after graduation. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities Pace has given me, and I’m already using what I’ve learned to build a brighter future for myself and those around me. 

My name is Alexis, and I have been Pace Clay here for over a year. Pace has taught me how to cope with my anxiety, build better friendships, and have better time management. Before I came to Pace, I struggled with anxiety, friendships with other girls, and my grades.  I am now a junior, am more social, and am excited about what I can accomplish in my future.  Thank you, Pace, for making this center feel like a welcoming, safe environment.

“Pace has given me the opportunity to follow my passion and make my dreams a reality,” says Gaby, a 17-year-old at Pace, Immokalee. Gaby is creating her future by taking full advantage of dual enrollment opportunities at Immokalee Technical School, where she recently completed her CNA training and is preparing for her certification exam. Next, she’s focused on earning her early childcare certification, a step closer to her goal of becoming a teacher.

In my time at Pace, I was offered many opportunities including being on Girl’s Leadership Council, it was there that I learned to advocate for myself and for my fellow Pace sisters and showed me my future career path of entrepreneurship. Now that I have graduated from Pace, I have enrolled at Pensacola State College, and I am working towards my associate’s degree in business entrepreneurship with the hopes of running my own business! I could not have realized my own potential and self-worth if it wasn’t for the genuine love, care, and support of the staff at Pace.

“In October 2023, I took a brave step and sought help at Pace Center for Girls, which I discovered at a health and wellness fair. My senior year, I struggled with conflicts at home and a desire for independence. My therapist and I started small, tracking habits like washing my face and cleaning my room. Over time, I added fitness, mental health activities, and journaling. Learning to manage my time around work and school was a game changer. Now, as a first year at Georgia Southern University, I’m proud of my progress and excited for what’s next.” 

Ms. Kim Buford encouraged me to come to Pace. At first, of course, I thought, “No way,” but after I came, I loved it. The staff is always there for you and the girls are amazing. Before coming to Pace I was around the wrong group of friends and chose to get involved in multiple situations where I was in the wrong. Pace has made me a better person and I have much better grades. Pace won’t disappoint you. Pace shows girls they are wonderful young women that have so much potential. 

When I first transferred to Pace, I was terrified no one would like me, or that I wouldn't fit in. However, Pace quickly helped me become more open-minded and self-aware.  Before coming to Pace, I struggled at my previous high school, skipping classes, failing, and even considering dropping out. At Pace, my grades have improved, I have gained confidence, and I joined the Girls Leadership Council (GLC), where I developed skills like public speaking and communication. Now, I’m proud of myself. I’m interested in mechanics, marine biology, and cosmetology, and I plan to attend Hillsborough County Community College (HCC) and eventually graduate from FAMU. 

"Pace for me wasn’t just a school—it was a family away from my family. Our Pace community granted me memories I will cherish forever. They made some of the hardest moments of my life feel possible. During those times, I felt seen, understood, and cared for. I am eternally grateful for the support and belief the Pace staff had in me, teaching me to be my authentic self, cope when times get tough, and pursue excellence. With their encouragement, I’ve found my voice, embraced growth, and I’m ready to face whatever comes next with courage and confidence."

My name is Ryleigh, I am 14 years old, and I have been attending Pace for a year and a half. Pace has helped me more times than I can count, and I am so grateful for this school. Before Pace, I was bullied for my disabilities, and I became very guarded to protect myself from being hurt again. Pace showed me the love and care I never had at school. The staff helped me with my grades and attendance and helped me get out of the protective bubble I kept myself in. I never expected the care I’ve gotten from Pace so it was unsettling at first, but I have grown to trust them and show them my care in return. 

"I came to Pace when I was 15 because I was having a hard time at school. Pace has made me a more open-minded person. Pace has also taught me that you don't know what someone has been through. The girls here don't carry it on their backs. Pace is very welcoming and open. Honestly, I like Pace! It was a good choice for me to come here, not just academically, but to learn how to deal with people, how to avoid certain situations - just life lessons that I needed." 

Today I am a leader. I traveled to Tallahassee earlier this year and advocated for all girls. I wasn’t always this strong. I struggled with self-doubt due to my appearance and lacked motivation to go to school. At Pace, I was making friends while balancing my academics and was seeing a bright future for myself, and then my mom passed away due to Covid. But my Pace family supported me, and I learned that if I keep my emotions inside, I’ll explode. I’m strong now and not looking back. Proud Pace Senior Class of 2025!  

Pictured above with her mom’s photo, Jeh’monie is following in her mom’s footsteps as a second-generation Pace girl. "My mom enrolled me at Pace because she attended Pace herself and had a positive experience. She wanted me to have the same opportunity. With the support of Pace, I’ve improved my communication skills and raised my grades. The staff here is truly helpful."

Pace Center for Girls Miami helped me grow to my potential. During my time at Pace, I faced many challenges and learned skills such as relationship-building, communication and self-confidence.  

I also learned how to treat people differently because like myself, they might be dealing with situations at home. Pace is a safe zone for everyone and taught me to treat others how I want to be treated. 

Now that I am in college, I use the same skills in my experience on campus. Without Pace, I would not be where I am today in my first semester in college.  

I began attending Pace in June of 2023 when I was 13 years old. I was worried about coming to Pace because it was all girls, and I was worried that no one would like me. I was shy and quiet. I came to Pace because I was skipping school, failing classes and hanging out with the wrong people. Since Pace, I have learned how to put myself out there more and how to speak to people more confidently. I have begun making the right decisions for the future I want to create for myself. I joined the Girl’s Leadership Council and am helping to make the center better today than it was yesterday. I know, with the skills I have learned at Pace, I will focus on my education to complete high school and pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse. 

The team at Pace Palm Beach helped me grow as a student and a person. When I came to Pace, I was anxious and nervous about starting school again. I hadn’t been in a regular school setting since COVID. I had social anxiety, and I wasn’t motivated to do my schoolwork. I felt like I didn’t fit in with most people and I was unable to connect with others in conversations. At Pace, they taught me the skills needed to be successful in my everyday life and I finally have the courage to do things I always hoped I would be able to do, like building healthy relationships, creating boundaries, and developing the ability to experience and appropriately express a wide range of my emotions and coping skills in stressful situations I truly enjoy the atmosphere of safety and inclusion that Pace Palm Beach creates for a better future! 

"Since enrolling at Pace, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned how to build relationships while staying true to myself. I no longer apologize for who I am. Before, I had no drive and constantly worried about my future, but now I’ve graduated, and I am attending Marchman Technical College for Early Childhood Education with plans to later pursue a Nursing degree. I’m proud of my healing journey and the changes I’ve made. My dream is to advocate for girls who’ve gone through trauma and, like Pace, show people that changes can be made, and no one is too far gone. My advice? Don’t let anyone change you—it's okay to ask for help." 

My name is Isabella and I am 17 years old. Finding a school to meet my specific needs almost seemed impossible… until we found Pace! Before Pace, the idea of graduating was not even on the table. I was kept out of school from fifth grade through ninth grade. At the time, I was hopeless and could not see a way out of my situation and my mental health started to decline. I was lucky to be able to move in with my biological father and I now have a healthy, happy, and loving family. My family called and we were greeted with such warmth and sweetness. All I remember from the call was “Bring her! We would love to meet her!” My family often calls Pace the hidden gem in St. Pete. I immediately felt so loved and was ecstatic! There was a chance for me again, and I could finally see the light. I have grown leaps and bounds since enrolling at Pace. I have been a part of opportunities I never imagined was possible five years ago. I also am going to graduate! I could not have done it without Pace and my family standing by my side.

Pace helped me realize I can show the me behind the mask. At my public school, I felt like they only saw my mistakes but not the trauma that caused my behavior. They couldn't see me under the mask I hid behind. Girls face so much and aren't always allowed the space to talk about what they go through. I feel seen and heard. At Pace, girls know they can talk to their counselor about anything. Mental health truly matters. I know that I'm not alone. I am so grateful to the people at Pace I know I can trust to be there for me. 

Pace helped me realize I can show the me behind the mask. At my public school, I felt like they only saw my mistakes but not the trauma that caused my behavior. They couldn't see me under the mask I hid behind. Girls face so much and aren't always allowed the space to talk about what they go through. I feel seen and heard. At Pace, girls know they can talk to their counselor about anything. Mental health truly matters. I know that I'm not alone. I am so grateful to the people at Pace I know I can trust to be there for me. 

Through my schooling experience, I have gained valuable academic knowledge and important life skills that have helped me achieve my goals. From the dedicated teachers and counselors who have taught me valuable lessons to the supportive environment that encouraged me to pursue my passions, Pace has been a source of guidance and growth for me and I’m grateful that I got this experience. They made me feel safe and helped me through the storm, Pace introduced me to a career resource coach. She helped me get an internship at 2nd Street Bistro as a host; she also helped me with an internship as a receptionist. I feel that learning different jobs will help me in life. My next goal is to sign up for phlebotomy classes. I’m a proud graduate and it’s all because of Pace.  

Pace has helped me to find out who I really am and where I want to go moving forward.  Before Pace I was following the wrong crowds, thinking it was okay and fun.  I realize now how much I want my future to be secured.  I realize now how much I want my future to be secured.  Patience is key to securing a future. I know patience is the key -  even if you want to take a shortcut, it is better to do it the right way so you don’t have to go back and learn again.  When I was younger, I always dreamed of making music, now, I want to be an RN or CNA. I now know that I can still do music as well as work on a career.  In five years, I hope to be close to finishing college and working towards being an RN.