This week on the blog we're highlighting FC volunteer and leadership board member Molly Rojas! She has been involved with The Friendship Circle for four years now and her commitment to this organization is outstanding. Her passion for helping others and her great energy make her an amazing volunteer. We love having her apart of our circle!
Interview
What school do you go to and what grade are you in?
I go to Mercer Island High School and I’m a junior.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I’m on the leadership team for a club at my school called Best Buddies which is similar to Friendship Circle. We pair up students in the school with students who have special needs and we have parties and various events throughout the year.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to hang out with my friends, play soccer, and basically do anything outside because I love nature. I also love reading. My favorite genre is fantasy fiction and recently I’ve been reading books about fairies and different realms.
How long have you been involved with Friendship Circle?
I started in 8th grade so this will be my fourth year volunteering.
What made you want to join The Friendship Circle?
I think I’ve always had a big passion for working with kids with special needs. Some of my best friends have special needs and they’re amazing people. I’ve learned and grown so much from them and they have taught so many different things. When I heard about Friendship Circle it sounded like the perfect opportunity but I thought you had to be Jewish to join. Once I found out you didn’t have to be Jewish, I was super excited so I immediately joined.
Are you on the leadership board? If so, what does it mean to be a leader to you?
Yes, I’m on the leadership board. A leader to me is someone who takes initiative. They’re the person that anyone in a group can turn to if they need help. They’re the person that if everybody is just standing around and not making an effort to do something or meet new people, they take that extra step to re-engage everyone and make sure that everyone feels comfortable together.
How has the Friendship Circle impacted your life?
Friendship Circle has been a big part of my life for the past few years and it has really opened my mind on how organizations impact people. To see how Friendship Circle impacts these kids and their families is truly amazing. In regards to how Friendship Circle has impacted me personally, I’ve met some of my greatest friends through them. I’ve met so many people and to be in such an open and welcoming space is really inspiring. Also Friendship Circle has taught me that all these different people can come together regardless of their abilities or gender and work together and make connections.
What has been your favorite FC program?
I’m excited for Friends@Home because this will be my first year with a Friends@Home buddy. My buddy is James and our families are really close, so I’ve hung out with him before Friendship Circle, but I'm super excited to be his buddy. However, I think my favorite program is Sunday Circle because I love being with such a big crowd of people and I love seeing everybody making new connections. I also love spending time with everyone because at past Sunday Circles I didn’t have a specific buddy so I would be paired up with whatever kid needed me and so getting to meet new people and learn more about them was really unique and special.
If you could describe the Friendship Circle in one word, what would it be?
Accepting.
