When asked to describe her Friend, Lupe, Ayani* wondered aloud: “Crazy, funny, encouraging, out-of-this-world. A million words could describe her because no one word could—except maybe ‘boba.’”

“I think it’s ‘boba,’” Lupe agreed. It’s fitting, considering one of Ayani and Lupe’s favorite things to do is research and try out different boba tea places around town.

Ayani, who is 11 years old, likes to think out loud a lot, whether she is brainstorming new crafts to do at the Clubhouse or talking about her career goals, which can change from actor to singer to neonatal doctor on a given day. “From our first outing, I could tell she wanted to accomplish big things,” Lupe recalls.

Since being placed back with family after experiencing time in foster care, Ayani often stays alert to everything around her and is used to looking out for herself and her younger brother. “I try my best to bring joy into her life. I believe she deserves to feel like a normal kid,” Lupe says.

Ayani has a love of the arts and frequently tries new extracurriculars, but she is also a perfectionist and sometimes can be tough on herself at the beginning of a new activity. “When things get tough, I want to listen and give her space to feel everything she needs to feel,” Lupe says. “I just want her to know I will be there for her, no matter what.”

As Ayani’s confidence has grown, so has her relationship with Lupe. “She never misses a week without updating me on her hopes and dreams. She is so smart and talented—I know she will accomplish whatever she puts her heart into.”

*Youth name changed for privacy