“We were at an art museum in Menlo Park’s club. We were there to see the art and hear some kids sing. I got to read my “home poem” about my hometown. I talked about my hotel in India. I think it’s good for people to hear about India so if they ever come to India they can come to my place. Other kids were creative too. I think I’m getting better at reading my poems in public. If I ever do a performance later in life, it will help.” –Ayesha, 9

“I came to all of my drawing and painting classes because I like painting. The first time I came, I liked the project so much, that I remembered what day it was and came at that same time every week.”

“I was painting myself, trying to figure out how I look and trying to paint it to be myself. You learn about who you are and realize that you’re painting something and it helps you remember some stuff. I know it’s not my twin sister because my sister doesn’t have glasses and I do.” -Kalene, 7 ;

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula Youth Dancers perform at the Eastside Auditorium 

A trio from the Boys & Girls Clubs Performing Arts program huddle following their performance at the "In our Own Words" Art Show 

“Breakdancing was really fun, because I learned new moves and the teacher was very nice. Breakdancing is fast and people think it’s amazing when they see moves that look hard to do, but aren’t. Dancing is art because it’s sort of like you’re doing something, you’re making something happen. It comes from the heart.” – Ayesha, 9