Pace Insights

Aug

A Letter to My Future Self

Posted on: August 23, 2024

Tia is a proud Pace girl who attends Pace Treasure Coast. At Pace, we believe all girls, regardless of their story, deserve a safe and supportive space where they can become strong, compassionate, and successful women.

Dear Little Me,

As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself reflecting on what has brought me here today. You may not understand the challenges and the accomplishments that lie within. Remember of your capability to what leads you to the path you want to go.

I’m writing to you… asking you to be easy on yourself for the world can be a harsh and unforgiving place, and love is the lifeline so desperately needed.

You have the power to heal the deepest wounds. You have the strength to rise above your circumstances, defy expectations, and chase after your dreams. Above all, you have the capacity to accept yourself, fiercely and unapologetically.

Growing up, you will find yourself moving from place to place. The constant change may feel unsettling at times, but it will also shape you in ways you cannot yet comprehend. With each new city, each new school, you will learn adaptability and the importance of finding balance within yourself.

Through the ups and downs, you will find a place where you belong. A place where girls are valued, understood and appreciated. Here, we don’t have to pretend to be someone we’re not. We can be our authentic selves, flaws and all, and be celebrated for who we are.

In a world where girls feel they need to hide their emotions and vulnerabilities, Pace shows us the opposite. Through growth and change, we’re reminded our feelings matter, they’re valued and deserving to be acknowledged. The emotions you feel deeply are not of weakness, but the beauty of who you are.

And throughout all the chaos and confusion, you will always have music on your side. The passion and love for what comes naturally will help guide you to paint a canvas of diversity, individuality and unity into this world. Let the music be your voice when words fail you.

I want to remind you what you feel is important. It’s beautiful. And there is nothing wrong with it. Embracing every emotion, every aspect of you, and knowing you are enough.

So, my dear younger self, as you navigate the twists and turns of life’s journey, remember to be yourself, embracing the beauty of your passions, finding strengths in the nurturing of Pace’s embrace.

You are capable of greatness, and the world is waiting for you to shine your light.

With love,

Tia

Jul

Every Girl Deserves a Chance: Yaritza’s Journey with Pace Center for Girls

Posted on: July 9, 2024

Stories

In the summer after her 7th-grade year, Yaritza and her family moved from Illinois to Florida, seeking a fresh start after a period of trauma. After attending traditional school for her 8th grade year in Florida, she found she wasn’t adjusting well and was falling behind the curve of her peers. With very little support and lack of hope, she was close giving up all together about herself and her future. Yaritza recalls, “This was a time in my life where I truly didn’t care what happened to me. I didn’t see the point in trying because my life felt out of my control and chaos seemed to follow me wherever I went. I couldn’t see a path forward, but I knew something had to change.” This move led her to a place that she described as significantly impacting her life for the better – Pace Center for Girls.

In 2014, Yaritza’s mom connected with a transition counselor who introduced the idea of Pace. Initially, Yaritza was very resistant to the idea of attending an all-girls school. It took months of convincing her to even look at a brochure and be open to the idea of going to see her local Pace school. However, a tour of the center changed her perspective. “It felt really welcoming and safe, I can still remember the bright colors of the walls and the wheel of Pace’s Values and Guiding Principles. For the first time in a while, it gave me hope that I could achieve those goals,” she recalls. This welcoming environment gave Yaritza the chance to feel secure and supported during a crucial time in her life.

At Pace, Yaritza found her favorite class, “Spirited Girls,” where she learned budgeting – a skill that sparked her interest in finance. This class was her first step towards her current career path to be a financial advisor and planner. Reflecting on her time at Pace, Yaritza says, “Pace was the first time that I took therapy seriously. I felt like I was allowed to process my emotions and received more holistic support. It showed me I can’t change what happened in my past, but I am in control of my present and my future.” Pace gave her the chance to develop essential life skills and discover her passion. Yaritza obtained for an extension in the program not wanting to leave the comfort and security of her favorite school, but the time came when she had to move forward with the lessons she learned.

After transitioning back to her local high school in her sophomore year, Yaritza carried the lessons and memories from Pace with her. “I still remember my transition party from Pace and how much it meant to me. I was gifted a book, “Oh the places you’ll go” by Dr. Seuss and I actually believed it. Everyone signed and left encouraging messages in my book. I still have my Pace ID from high school,” she shares. Keeping the ID serves as a reminder of how far she has come and the impact Pace had on her life. After graduating from high school, Yaritza worked diligently to earn her associate degree, furthering her education and opening more doors for her future.

For other girls facing challenges, Yaritza offers advice: “Don’t be nervous to put yourself into an environment you don’t know. Don’t be close-minded and be open to positive change even if it goes against what you’ve known. The only way out for me was to face everything I was running from with strength and resilience. Give yourself grace for your mistakes and do better next time. Pace made me more well-rounded and grateful for my life.” She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and breaking the stigma that only ‘bad girls’ go to Pace. “It’s for girls that just need a little additional support.”

Yaritza attributes her personal and professional growth to the values and guiding principles she learned at Pace. “I learned to actually take care of myself at Pace. I still carry Pace’s Values and Guiding Principles with me in my career today.”

Every girl deserves a chance to succeed, and at Pace, Yaritza found the tools and opportunities she needed to become the successful woman she is today.

Jun

The Impact of Year-Round Mental Health Services for Middle School Girls

Posted on: June 10, 2024

Health and Wellness

At Pace, we recognize the critical importance of reaching girls in middle school to provide comprehensive, year-round mental health services. Middle school is a pivotal time in a young girl’s life, and addressing mental health challenges at this stage can have a lasting impact on their future well-being.

Girls today are growing up in an environment significantly different from that of previous generations. The rise of social media, increased academic pressure, and evolving social norms contribute to a complex mental health landscape. Investing in their mental health is not just beneficial for the girls themselves but for the broader community, leading to a healthier, more resilient future generation.

We spoke with A’laysia, a seventh grader in the Pace Reach Program in Marion County, South Carolina, as she was getting ready for her middle school dance. She emphasized the positive impact of Pace on her life: “I’m happy I’m in Pace because it feels like nobody’s ‘gonna’ judge you. You have someone to talk to, someone who can support you.”

Alexis Dennison, the passionate counselor leading the Reach Program in Marion County, shared her perspective: “Middle school is a pivotal time for development. By reaching girls at this stage, we can help them build a strong foundation for their mental health that will support them through high school and beyond.”

In 2021, data released by the National Association of Mental Illness painted a stark picture, reporting that over 56% of South Carolinians aged 12 to 17 suffering from depression received no care in the previous year. Moreover, students grappling with depression are two times more likely to drop out of school than their peers. The data is harrowing, but we know that prevention and intervention can change these outcomes.

The Pace Reach Program looks different in every community, as it is designed to meet the unique needs of a community. In South Carolina, Pace counselors and therapists come to local middle and high schools to provide mental health support directly to the girls. This approach ensures that the girls receive the help they need in a familiar and accessible environment, fostering a sense of safety and support within their school community.

While each program may look unique, one constant is the care and dedication of the counselors across Pace. Ms. Dennison is from Marion County, South Carolina and since the age of 10 has wanted to be a counselor and help her community. It is the passion of our counselors and therapists that help make real change in the communities we serve.

During the interview, A’laysia shared her reasons for joining the program, emphasizing the need for a safe space where she can express her feelings without judgment. She mentioned how the program helps her and her peers deal with the “heavy stuff” they carry, creating an environment where they can relax and be themselves. A’laysia plans to take what she learns at Pace and apply those skills throughout high school so she can achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer.

Recognizing the growing need for youth mental health services, Pace expanded to Marion County in March 2023. Over a year, we serve up to 40 girls in Marion County, providing individual, peer group, and family counseling sessions, as well as individual goal setting and implementing strategies for future success. Our services are available year-round, ensuring that girls have access to the support they need, regardless of the time of year. This continuous care is crucial for maintaining progress and stability, especially during school breaks and other transitions that can be challenging for young people.

If you know a girl who could benefit from Pace, learn more about enrollment here: https://www.pacecenter.org/become-a-pace-girl

May

Rising Leaders: Pace Girls Take on Climate Research

Posted on: May 23, 2024

Advocacy

At Pace Center for Girls in Pasco County, a group of passionate girls are learning about the environment and what they can do to benefit the next generation. We had the pleasure of speaking with two Pace girls, Hannah and Rileigh, along with their science teacher, Wendy Vazquez-Ernest.

Hannah, a 17-year-old in the 10th grade, has been at Pace for two years and aspires to become an architect after graduation. Her commitment to environmental challenges is matched by Rileigh, a 9th grader who has been at Pace for three months and wants to study forensic science in the future. Despite their different tenures at Pace, both girls are united by a common goal: making a difference in their community.

A Project with Purpose

Under the guidance of Wendy Vazquez-Ernest, the girls and their classmates participated in an environmental science and global warming project that required them to create detailed poster boards. These posters highlighted the issues of climate change and pollution across various countries, as well as potential solutions and actions that can be taken to mitigate these problems.

Hannah focused on Italy, exploring the unique environmental challenges the country faces and proposing actionable solutions. Rileigh delved into issues in Madagascar like deforestation. Their personal insights and dedication were evident as they discussed their findings and proposed solutions.

The Importance of Lifting Teen Voices

The project is more than just an academic exercise; it’s a powerful example of how teens can advocate for causes important to them. Wendy emphasized the significance of teen advocacy, stating, “It’s crucial for young people to understand their power in enacting change. When they are informed and passionate, they can inspire others to take action.”

Making a Change in Their Community

Hannah and Rileigh are not just learning about environmentalism—they are taking action to make a difference in their community. Hannah shared her experiences of seeing animals pushed out of their natural ecosystems due to Florida’s population growing. Both girls committed to recycling, picking up trash and said schools should start more clubs to create awareness for the environment.

“Seeing girls like Hannah and Rileigh engage with science and advocacy is incredibly rewarding,” Vazquez-Ernest shared. “It’s essential to celebrate their achievements and inspire more young women to pursue a passion in science.”

Apr

Empowering Future Leaders: Alexis Journey to College and Career Success

Posted on: April 30, 2024

Uncategorized

At Pace Center for Girls, we celebrate all our girls’ successes as they look towards the future! College Signing Day celebrated on May 1, is a monumental occasion, marked by a commitment to inspire students to reach higher. This initiative, presented by Better Make Room, celebrates all students who have made the decision to pursue an education past high school, whether at a professional training program, the military, a community college, or a four-year college or university.

Reflecting on her journey, Alexis emphasizes the pivotal role that Pace played in her academic and personal growth. With her sights set on studying psychology at Santa Fe College and later Florida A&M University, Alexis epitomizes determination and aspiration. “Every girl deserves to be respected and heard,” she shared.

At Pace, Alexis found not only academic support but also the encouragement and guidance she needed to navigate the college application process. With the assistance of her dedicated counselor, Alexis successfully completed her college applications—a milestone that holds special significance as she will be the first person in her family to attend college.

“I want to be a therapist because I want to be that person that can help kids. Before I came to Pace, I didn’t have a counselor who helped me. My cousin Ashley encouraged me to attend Pace, and it turns out that Pace has become my safe space,” reflected Alexis. “Because I’ve went through so much in my life, I feel like I will be able to relate and better understand the challenges that girls go through.”

Of her many accolades, Alexis is proud to be the Girls Leadership Council President at her center. In celebrating Alexis’s achievements, we honor not only her individual success but also the collective efforts of educators, mentors, and advocates who are dedicated to empowering young women to reach their full potential.

Alexis is the recipient of a college scholarship provided on behalf of State Farm. Pace is grateful for State Farm’s support to support career and college preparation for our girls.

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