Fatou Embraces Differences

Fatou is 16 and a student at the GRuB School program. GRuB was able to help Fatou and others like her because of your support and generosity. Fatou would like to tell you her story:

Hi my name is Fatou, I’m 16 years old and a sophomore at GRuB School.

Before GRuB, I didn’t really know who I was. I cared more about the type of clothes people wore than what they told me. I had no problem with talking behind people’s backs. I applied for GRuB and, to be honest, all I really cared about was the school credit and the money. The day I got selected to be a youth crew member, I was at districts for track. I was so excited. All I could think of was, I get paid, get science credit, I will harvest different types of foods, and take food home every week. I didn’t think it could get any better. I wasn’t expecting GRuB to change me at all. But through my work at GRuB, I started noticing that GRuB was way more than what I thought.

GRuB was a family. I didn’t really realize that until the day I lost my cousin. I went to GRuB, feeling sad and lonely. We did our check-ins and I told everybody what was wrong with me. Immediately, some of my fellow grubbers and my teachers were asking if I need anything. “We are here for you Fatou.”  “If you need anyone to talk to, I’m here Fatou.” Giving me hugs and making me feel so much better. That, to me, is the definition of family. People that care and are always there for you no matter what. GRuB has brought 20 different people to work together and respect each other’s morals and values. Now we call each other family. I know I can go to my fellow grubbers and my teachers about anything.

GRuB has taught me to judge people based on who someone is and not the type of jeans they wear. Before GRuB, I was so insecure of the way I spoke. I didn’t think I pronounced anything right, but GRuB has taught me to come out of my comfort zone. But most importantly, GRuB has taught me to be who I am, to embrace the fact that I am different from everyone else and that is what makes me unique.

Thank you, Shirly and Mary, for making Fatou’s future brighter through GRuB. She is grateful for this new community and perspective on life. Thanks again, Shirly and Mary, for making this all possible!