Jennifer Beck, an SSLA alumna, returned to PowerPlay as an intern via the Up2Us Sports Summer VISTA program. She saw it as a way to give back to the organization that was instrumental in her development over five years ago. Jen currently attends Stony Brook University. Jen joined the PowerPlay community as an SSLAer in the summer of 2016.
An avid athlete growing up she played basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, and tennis. PowerPlay seemed like the perfect match for Jen. The organization’s mission not only aligned with her athletic endeavors, but also exposed her to leadership development and networking opportunities. Once a shy athlete, she now admits that the program challenged her to become more confident, outgoing, and form new connections. These skills were invaluable once she arrived at college and had to adapt to a new and unfamiliar environment. “PowerPlay gave me the tools to make new connections in college and try new things.”
As a PowerPlay employee, Jen brought a new perspective to the team. Her experience as a program participant gave her an advantage and allows her to see both sides of the coin. She knows first hand the impact that PowerPlay has on girls and worked tirelessly to foster a similar environment – infused with confidence – for the current cohort. Jen can’t pinpoint one aspect of the SSLA program that is most important. She feels that the entire experience was invaluable and the program provides the girls with an opportunity to flourish and thrive. “PowerPlay transforms the lives of the girls who are involved in the program,” providing opportunities to flourish and thrive.
As Jen moves into the next chapter of her life, she hopes to become a psychologist and work with children on the spectrum. She plans to take the skill sets developed at PowerPlay and apply them in her next career endeavor.
