Selena is 16 years old and a few years ago she joined a youth organisation. People started taking the mickey, but she soon made them all very jealous with her amazing experiences...
Selena's Story
As a child I was a very shy person. I rarely went out and didn't have much confidence, but everything started to change when I was ten and my best friend introduced me to a youth organization.
At first I just went for the arts and crafts but I soon started to become really involved in the other aspects and, even though many of my friends started dropping out as we entered our teens, I never did. Going to a youth group helped me meet new people and I got involved in lots of different things I wouldn't have otherwise, like sport.
They were there for me
Sadly, as I grew older, other people didn’t see youth groups as such a good thing. By the time I was 13, if I mentioned I still went to the brigade, people made fun of me and said I was sad. I've come to learn that most people who go to these youth organisations don't tell others about it… but I want to tell people how great they are and much they can really help you!
When I was 14 I went through a rough patch; my health declined and I fell out with my closest friends. Things at home were bad and I actually started self harming, which was the worst thing I’ve ever done. The people at Girls’ Brigade gave me the shoulder I needed to cry on. They comforted me and supported me and, with their help, I stopped self harming and finally came clean to my parents about how I’d been feeling. I also made new best friends at the group who I can't live without now.
Images posed by models. Some names have been changed.
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Amazing opportunities
I soon started Young Leader Training where I helped look after over around 30-40 young girls in the younger age groups. I lead them in crafts and games – it was great! At 15 I joined the London massed bugle band and since then I’ve performed at two London marathons, the Lord Mayor show and Horse Guard Parades, plus at other major events too.
“It meant a lot to me to see all the cast”
People may call me sad that I do these things, but they were pretty jealous when I was given a once in a life time experience… when I was asked to represent Girl's Brigade at Buckingham Palace!
The event was an actual garden party at the palace and when I was there I met Boris Johnson (major of London), the duchess of Cornwall and even Prince Charles! This was all thanks to going to a youth group.
My future
I’m 16 now and I still go to all the groups. I am starting my Queen's Award soon, for which I’ll do loads volunteer work. All the experience I’ve gained looks really good on my CV and I’ve recently got my first job - the employer talked more about my Girls’ Brigade experience than anything else, saying it showed I could be trusted.
I’m sharing my story with you because I want to show others just how rewarding youth groups can be and to encourage those who do go, never to stop because of the taunting. These are experiences that will last me a lifetime.
Info on Youth Groups:
Girls' Brigade
Woodcraft Folk
Girl Guides
The Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade
Images posed by models. Some names have been changed.
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
Libby, 15
girl guides kept my sanity during the bad times, with girls who were the same as me, which gave me a broader view and overcome my fears as a result of this. anyone out there who is bored, lonely or sick of life, put that all away and join the girl guides/scouts!
Sinead, 13
Wow, that's cool, I've never looked at it like that. If someone said they went to a youth group I'd think it was a bit geeky, but now I realise it's actually a cool way to try new things, make friends & have fun :D xxx
Zoe, 15
I go to Girls' Brigade too and a lot of the people there don't tell anyone about going. I love it though and talk about it at school all the time. I introduced my friend to it and she loves it too. Joining GB was the best thing I've ever done and I could not live without everyone there. One of the leaders has helped me through everything and I love her more than anyone else in the world. Nobody should be ashamed of it- you're right and I'm glad that you've come through the bullying all right. GB gives you so many oppurtunities and I look forward to going every week because it takes my mind off everything else. You learn so much and make so many friends. I'd recommend it to anybody and I'm glad you shared your story- it needs to be told. I did a presentation at school for the same reasons. Much love .x.
Tash, 13
I think you're great for helping out at clubs and everything. The people that were bullying you are just jealous because you can achieve much more then they can. Keep up the great work :D I hope you go far one day.
Lilly x, 15
aww bless. glad things are ok for you now. and now you know who your true friends aree :)
Chelsea, 17
Well done for sticking to it!=DYouth Groups are amazing fun, and gives you a different setting to school, and different friends too!I'm 17, 18 in less than a month, and i still attend Girl Guides...I am a qualified Young Leader now on both guides and brownies.I say, if you enjoy it, carry on!You never know where it could take you!...Selena proved it (:
Jessica, 15
Well I think it's really nice that you like to help people.You look like a happy generous type of person and this world hasn't got enough nice people I think.So if I were you I would ignore the bullies and just get on with your own life.I bet you have lots more friends than most of the people in your year anyway.Congrats on being the better person and good luck in the future :) x
Charlotte, 12
wow that is so impressive!!! You proved everyone wrong and you stuck to what you believed in!
inola, 11
wow i go to youth groups and it can be very fun,especialy when we make things,you are so lucky that you got to go to buckingham palace i would do anything for it.Congratulations again xxx
Abby, 15
Such an amazing story! This made me smile because I've been throught taunting and it really caused so much pain in my life. May sound over dramatic but thank you because this really helped!Good luck in the future, I admire your courage :)
beki, 16,
good for you it shows that you are doing something good with your time and ou have made such a difference! im sorry you went through a rough obiviously but it was really good how you came back from it and those people who made fun of you are just jealous of what a nice person you must be !!! good luck for the future you must be really proud of yourself xx
Zunera, 13
Aww your story is really heart warming and your right you should never let people like that get to you just be yourself.
Abbey, 13
I go to Girls brigade!Im not afraid to admit it, I cant belive some people would be so immature to pick on you for somthing you enjoy, its really rather sad-.Good for you for continuing!
Chloe, 15
That is really inspiring! I'm a true believer in being yourself- if people don't like it, then they're not worth it! Well done!! (P.S. The youth group you go to sounds really cool to me!) =D x
rachel, 16
im a member of Senior Section (next up after guides) and have great fun! im working towards my leadership and hope to do my queens guide award which is the highest achievable award. some people might mock you for being members, but then they probably dont realise how much you come out of it ready for life with a leg up on your CV, plus loads of friends and amazing experiences!
Jo, 13
I go to girl guides, but was considering quitting because people were calling me names and laughing at me for going to something they thought was childish and sad. After reading your story I've decided not to quit, and to not care what the people laughing at me thought. Thanks and well done. =)
Alice, 14
cool my sister went to the garden party at buckinham palace with a group aswell, anyway you shouldnt let people get you down at the end of it all your the one doing better than all them that bullied you.
Georgia, 15
I go to a mixed boys and girls brigade and, to be honest, deciding to join it was the best option i ever made. i've made so many friends from it, and have found that most people who make fun of groups like these are people who have never experienced youth groups and spend their time messing around on the streets instead. without my youth group, i dunno where i'd be xx
