Lunch for the Girls: Destinee’s remarks

Destinee

My name is Destinee Juber and Girls Inc. helped me reach my potential.

I went to Girls Inc in 2011 and 2012, during my days in foster care, and at the time I was a completely different person. I was a mess of a girl that was constantly making terrible choices. I’ve struggled with PTSD and depression for the better part of my life. However, back then it controlled me; I let those words define me as a person. I didn’t know anything else, until the staff at Girls Inc. showed me compassion and wanted to help me.

Each day after school I was routinely the first girl to enter the building for many months. Sometimes the hopelessness was overpowering and my heavy heart brought my shoulders down with it. Other days I’d strut down the hallway with undeniable confidence. I was given a special job to do, in effort to help me grow. I grew each and every time I watered the garden, trimmed the oregano, and fed the worms. I delicately took care of that garden and kept a certain fascination with the worms. At the time they were one of my few friends. You’ll find that my heart was longing for an opportunity, for a chance at life. But I chose to go about it all wrong.

One day I decided I needed more and I was tough, I was an adult. I’d show them. I defiantly walked out of the building and down the devilishly crooked street. I can hardly believe that I, myself would just walk out in the dark, in Omaha, but I had to prove I was grown. I wandered foolishly as the darkness of night stalked my every move. 3 hours later a group of teenagers took me in and had the police pick me up. I was scared and angry that they would betray me like that, but they saved me from being kidnapped or making yet another idiotic decision.

With shame I was hauled back to my foster home and continued to act defiantly because I wasn’t going down without a fight. After things died down and I had received my punishment, I was sure I’d never re-enter that brick building. But these gracious and amazing people looked past my foolishness and decided I had potential and they stuck with me. I was given a second chance I have yet to forget. It was so powerful I only wish I could express in words how grateful I am. It was magical for that lost 12-year-old girl.

After a few months of gardening and time with my amazing and ever-faithful mentor, I was changing. My mentor taught me so many skills, from all things engineering, problem solving, and good habits. I excelled in school, proudly challenged myself in my STEM groups at Girls Inc, and felt as if I truly belonged. Believe me, I was 12, I had my days, but they always stood by my side. The doors they opened were questionable for me. I was confused as to why they wanted to help me and not just push me away. The truth is they really do care, because if they didn’t I can assure you they had many opportunities to prove me wrong and they chose to stand by me. Mental health was one barrier that kept me from reaching my potential and they embraced it. If I had a hard day, they gave me a reason to push through it.

It’s a great feeling to know you will always have someone in your corner! To this day I keep in contact and let me just say this world does not deserve to have such wonderful people all in one place.

I am Destinee and I am strong, smart, and bold!