Ashley, 2009 SOHO Graduate:

My older sister Diamond was in SOHO last year. She said it was fun, and she was right. I got to go ice skating for me first time. I only fell once. We got to do cool art projects for our rooms. I got to pick all me colors my favorite project was the banner because I did it all by myself.

When it was time to do my room I got to help paint. I got all over my hands and feet, but it was fun. I was so surprised when I saw my room. There was so much more space and it was beautiful. My favorite part is the new bunk bed. I get to sleep on the top. I have all these new pillows and pretty sheets. Sometimes I sit in my new chair and pretend I’m in a fantasy world. My sister and I are so happy and excited in our new room.

The best part is that when I first came to SOHO I didn’t knew a lot of the girls but now I am friends with all of them!

Taja and Ta’Janae, Sisters and 2009 SOHO Graduates:

We liked SOHO because it is fun and you can learn lots of skills, like painting and sewing.We also learned about important parts of our body, how to eat healthy food, and proper etiquette.

Once you become close with your mentor and other SOHO sisters, you don’t want to let them go. We both hope to still come back at visit next year’s SOHO group.

SOHO helped me change for the better and grow more mature. It helped teach us responsibilities and how to take care of yourself.

We loved SOHO and are thankful for our new bedrooms because it helps sleep more soundly in our rooms. We are also thankful for SOHO because it keeps us focused on positive things rather than negatives.

Ariel, 2009 SOHO Graduate:

What SOHO did for me:

• SOHO made my room look pretty;
• I learned art and etiquette;
• I met new friends;
• I learned about nutrition, the human body, making wise choices and interacting positively with others;
• I went ice skating and loved it (even though I fell a few times);
• I went to a fancy Tea Party and practiced all of my etiquette skills.

I really, really, really like SOHO. I haven’t missed a SOHO meeting all year. Coming to SOHO on Thursdays is the highlight of my week. SOHO has been an awesome program and I really love my room.

Becky, Ariel’s Mentor:

What SOHO did for me:

• SOHO introduced me to 14 wonderful 5^th grade girls and their equally wonderful mentors – a fun, smart, talented diverse group of women and girls that I will never forget;
• One SOHO girl in particular, Ariel, has taught me to notice the small things in life- the brilliance of colors, the innocence of youth, and the wonder of our imaginations;
• Thanks to SOHO staff and volunteers like Linda and Anne, I was reminded that through the collective efforts of many caring folks, a program like SOHO can exist and can make our community a better, safer and more hopeful place that is blind to race, color, income or age;
• Thanks to out volunteer art teachers like Leslie, Kathleen and Malone – I learned many new art skills;
• SOHO reminded me that, just like the SOHO girls, I was about their age, I too learned how to sew (although most of the SOHO girls are better at it then me);
• I went ice skating and to a fancy tea party, but most importantly, I became part of a very special group. For two plus hours each Thursday night, my cell phone and blackberry were turned off, and all that mattered was the mentoring, bonding, fun and art projects taking place inside The Art League’s Annex in Alexandria.

I really, really, really like SOHO. Coming to SOHO on Thursdays has been highlight of my week.

Diana, 2009 SOHO Graduate:

All the people at SOHO are really nice and very open. The art projects were really creative; my favorite was making the quilted pillows, and I loved learning to sew.

Jen, my mentor, is kind of like a big sister to me. I look up to her because she is strong, outgoing and just so bright to be around. My mom has been in the hospital for three months and having Jen to talk to has been like having a best friend. She is someone I really open up to. I can talk to her like I’ve known her for years.