By Mona Dixon, 2010-'11 BGCA National Youth of the Year, Soph. at Arizona State University

(Editor's note: With the selection of Nicholas Foley as the 2011-'12 National Youth of the Year, previous National YOY Mona Dixon says goodbye to her year as the Clubs' top ambassador. She writes about her journey and being a part of a richly rewarding program that helps pay her way through college.)

Hey, myclubmylife.com teens!

When I became National Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, I was very emotional. I was excited, surprised, and appreciative all at once. I knew from there on out, my life would be changed forever!

First things first, when I met Denzel Washington it was crazy! He was very down to earth and he cares so much about us teens and what we do in life. The five finalists got to go with him to the White House to meet President Obama and it was an amazing experience! The President is so personable and funny. However, he is very intelligent and was fascinated with our wonderful stories.

This past year has been extremely busy for me! I got to travel, represent all of you, and share my story of how Boys & Girls Clubs impacted my life. One of my favorite moments was being a part of the PSA that included more than 20 celebrity Boys & Girls Club alumni. I also got to get you guys some great interviews with some of them for myclubmylife.com! (Editor's note: Check out Mona's interviews with Ne-Yo, Shaun White, and Sugar Ray Leonard!)

Another major accomplishment was making it on Essence Magazine’s list of Top 28 Most Powerful African American Women. I got to fly all the way out to New York for my photo shoot and felt like a diva!

Without the Boys & Girls Clubs, I would not be nearly as close to where I am today. Now that I have passed on the title, I still have my network that I built over the year and I am looking forward to a few internships, going to Europe, and continuing to speak on behalf of the youth for Boys & Girls Clubs. I also am continuing to work hard at my Honors College and take full advantage of no longer having to worry about how I would pay for college!

To all of you, I want you to know that it is not about your obstacles or where you come from. It is about how you overcome it. You have to find the drive within yourselves to make goals and follow the steps to reach them.

If you are willing to work hard, others will see that and want to help you! Use your resources. Stay involved, give back to your community, be in Keystone, stay focused and be humble! All of you are destined to BE GREAT and no one can stop you but yourselves!

With Love,

Mona Dixon