ľ��ֱ��

Georgia Boothe:[00:00:00] Hi, everyone and welcome to another episode of Every Step of The Way. I am so excited today for our next guest, who is Sarah Roman, who's an alumna of ľ��ֱ�� and she's going to be talking with us about her experience at ľ��ֱ��, her time since she's exited our program and how it's made a difference in her life.

I look forward to hearing what Sarah has to say.

Sarah, welcome to the podcast.

Sarah Roman: Thanks, Georgia, for having me. I look forward to today's conversation.

Georgia Boothe: All right, wonderful. So, let's jump right in Sarah. Talk to me a little bit about how did you get involved with ľ��ֱ��. How did you hear about us and how are you involved in the programs here?

Sarah Roman: So, I didn't personally choose to go to ľ��ֱ��. It was my mother's choice. I started between the ages five, six, and maybe seven years old. My [00:01:00] older sister and my younger brother went as well. It was really a situation where my mom was a single mother. ľ��ֱ�� was located a block away from where we grew up.

And it's a place she felt was safe and trusted. So she enrolled us. The first time or length of time I was there was for the summer program.

Georgia Boothe: That's fantastic. And which location was that, Sarah?

Sarah Roman: East Harlem.

Georgia Boothe: In East Harlem. Wonderful. So, you know, how would you describe kind of your interactions? What did you do? Cause it sounds like you kind of grew up with ľ��ֱ��, right?

Starting so young, what were some of the activities you were involved in? Besides the summer program.

Sarah Roman: Yeah. So, the one that stands out to me the most was, Project Live. This was a program aimed at, I think it was like middle schoolers or like 12,13, so that's seventh or eighth grade. Again, growing up with just a single mom it was a way to have like [00:02:00] a big brother, big sister, and be exposed to different activities and lifestyles.

And I was fortunate enough to have not one, but two mentors. One was born and raised in France and the other one was born and raised in Korea and came here I think before she was like 11 or 12. But of course the ľ��ֱ�� also had a bunch of activities in their afterschool program, which I also did.

The one I looked forward to the most were their… How do you say? Their talent shows just being able to teach each other dance moves or this comedy or put this art project together. It was the creativity was one of my favorite aspects about ľ��ֱ��.

Georgia Boothe: That's awesome. Do you remember like a specific performance that you did while you were at ľ��ֱ�� that really had, you know, an impact on you?

Sarah Roman: So I remember, so some of the dances, like the older girls would teach the younger [00:03:00] kids, and then there were other ones where the counselors had like dance class and they would have our input. It wasn't them just choreographing. And I remember, I think it was Aaliyah, one of her songs. And everybody had to put in like two or three counts.

So, it felt good to be able to have input and also have the whole group enjoy the input. It was a boost of confidence.

Georgia Boothe: Oh, that sounded wonderful. So, how did your experiences kind of influence what was happening with you academically in terms of school?

Sarah Roman: So, at school, I was really shy. Like most report cards, like I always did my homework.

I didn't cause a lot of trouble, but I just didn't like raising my hand because I didn't like speaking in front of other people. At ľ��ֱ��, that was not an option. Everybody was speaking to everyone. The counselors were, you know, addressing everybody so you couldn't hide. You [00:04:00] couldn't stay quiet.

So that push in after school and summer program and in Project Live, it created a confidence in myself that I then brought to school.

Georgia Boothe: That's amazing. You know, it's interesting, the impact that just having a different experience can have on your life. So, that's truly amazing. So, you went from being kind of the shy kid to, you know, being exposed to the opportunity to be more gregarious so that's awesome.

Is there a particular kind of experience at ľ��ֱ�� that you would describe as something that helped you to build like your confidence? As a student and as a person.

Sarah Roman: Yeah. So, there was another program as I got older, they would send us to Wagon Road. So, Wagon Road, it wasn't just kids from the city.

It was also the suburban kids. So, I went to private [00:05:00] school. But it was a sliding scale tuition so it wasn't like your typical, you know, preppy kids. It was a mix of everyone. So, this was the first time I was exposed to other kinds of kids who have different ways of thinking. And at first it was, I remember being scared, like, Oh, I'm not going to make so many friends.

Cause there was only a select few that came from the center that were invited to go to Wagon Road. And I want to say by the second, third week, again, there were talent shows and I was one of the key choreographers in making the dances atWagon Road.

So, I guess it helped to build my confidence around those I may not know so well to just, you know, shine and do what I love to do. It’ll attract what is meant to be.

Georgia Boothe: That is so fantastic. To hear of your experience there and what it did for you. How have those experiences, those early years [00:06:00] at ľ��ֱ�� impacted, like what you've chosen to do for a living or what you've chosen to pursue educationally?

Sarah Roman: I guess to highlight the different kind of kids, the city kids, the suburban kids. I'm a massage therapist, but I have my own company in which we schedule therapists to go to other luxury buildings in Manhattan, Brooklyn. And it's, I guess, pushed me to reach out to those who may not necessarily want to speak up or know how to speak up for themselves, who may be shy or may be from a family that they're first generation, second generation and teaching them like, “Hey, this is your world.”

So, yeah. Know it, and I'm gonna, you know, I'll start you, but let's keep the ball rolling so you can get your own following. And in turn, since 2020, my husband and I have been kind of buckling down and sacrificing to purchase a home, and we actually just closed in October on a three family, and we're gonna be [00:07:00] housing those who grew up like I did under Section 8.

And we want to purchase more buildings, but offer it to those who are in the same situation I was growing up.

Georgia Boothe: That is amazing. I'm having goosebumps all over me, like, listening to you talk about not just your experience, but how you're paying it forward. What drives and motivates you to want to do that?

Like, why do you want to give back in this way?

Sarah Roman: So like Project Live is a great way to kind of explain it. Cause the mentors looking back on it, you know, they weren't like the riches of the riches, but you know, they had extra spending money. They could take us out and it wasn't an issue which is not something I often experienced with my mom.

And I have a lot of core memories with my mentors. So, if I can provide that for as many people as possible, why not?

Georgia Boothe: That, that is just amazing, right? I want all of our young people in our program to, to listen to you and to listen [00:08:00] to what you're doing because, you know, sometimes when things are a little bit tough, folks don't often, our young people don't often see the path ahead and for them to hear from you, I think would be amazing.

So what advice would you offer young people in our program right now that, you know, are trying to figure out what they want to do, what their next steps are going to be? Yeah. So what advice would you offer them?

Sarah Roman: So straight out the back out of high school, you don't need to know what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Things change. You have different experiences that help mold you, who you're supposed to be, like your passions typically stay the same. So, I would say, you know, venture out, try things here and there. But if dancing was your thing as a kid, take adult dance classes. If learning different instruments as a kid is something you enjoyed, hold on to that as an adult while you venture out and see what feels good and what not so good.

Georgia Boothe: For those who, out there, [00:09:00] who may be thinking about supporting ľ��ֱ��, like how would you describe to a donor, like, the kind of difference ľ��ֱ�� programs have made for you and therefore, why should they invest in ľ��ֱ��?

Sarah Roman: It provides experiences that the children who attend ľ��ֱ�� may not necessarily get to have on their own.

A lot of what kind of molded me into what I am as an adult were those experiences through ľ��ֱ��. And not just, you know, going to this trip or taking these photos with this NFL player, but, it was the team building, even little arguments we would have as groups and then having an adult kind of facilitate and us talk about it.

We even, I remember we had health class, some of the kids, that wasn't offered at school. So, they, when the bodies were changing, it was unknown and it was scary. So, I think things like this are absolutely necessary because [00:10:00] it's unavoidable.

Georgia Boothe: Thank you for that. So, it sounds to me like you're very busy.

Like you have a lot going on, right? You are doing your own business. You're, you know, purchasing property and you're going to be becoming a landlord. Like, how do you balance all of this? How do you balance your business time, your time with your family and still, you know, kind of take good care of yourself?

Sarah Roman: So, I'm still learning that myself. So again, the passion, I like enjoy dancing as a kid. So, I still do that at least once, once a week I go to a studio, I take my mind off. So, I'm just present in the moment. But I'm still learning. Back in October, I actually ended up in the hospital because I wasn't taking care of myself.

I had a blood infection, so it took me out for a little while, and I'm still kind of dealing with certain [00:11:00] ailments, but learning to listen to my body. So, when you're tired, go to sleep. ​​If your body's craving a certain kind of food, it's because it's craving those nutrients, so feed it. If you want to go for a walk and no one wants to go with you, oh well.

That means you need some sun and some fresh air and just give in to it. And that kind of thinking and just finding different things to be grateful for, not necessarily materialistic, but just like moments, mornings, evenings, just talking to myself and appreciating more has helped me kind of stay grounded and from going back to the hospital.

Georgia Boothe: Well, I am so glad that you are doing better. And on the mend. How has your relationships with your family, with friends over the years, you know, thinking back to your time at ľ��ֱ��, you know, are there relationships that you still have from that time and how has that kind of factored into your relationships that you [00:12:00] have now with the friends and family you have around you?

Sarah Roman: So, I would say I haven't stood in touch calling people on holidays, on birthdays. But when I do see them in the street, it's like, “Hey, how you been? You look exactly the same.” So that warmth is always there. But as far as, like, staying in close connection with them, it, I guess, because social media wasn't a thing back then.

It's been a little more difficult, but it has helped me now with my family and my career. Because you don't always get the instant message back or a call right back. Sometimes there's a period of waiting and I'm, I don't feel bad. Oh my God, I messed up or they, they forgot about me or they don't like my idea.

That doesn't arise.

Georgia Boothe: That's awesome. That you're keeping those connections. Cause I know for myself, it's something that I'm constantly working on, too. It's like, making sure that I keep connected with [00:13:00] folks. How are you involved in your community? You know, you, you spoke a little bit about how you're giving back, but are there other things that you're doing in your community, as a way to support it?

Sarah Roman: So right now, I have three kids. So, we participate in school events, but we also are big on our culture. We're Puerto Rican. My Spanish has never been there and it's still not there, but during COVID, my mom actually found a free program. It's called Bombazo Dance Co. where they teach the kids bomba, how to dance, how to drum. They speak to them in Spanish and the native island language of the island. And my eldest is now in their dance company for the juniors. So that has forced me to put a hat on. Okay, well, we're going to be raising money. We're going to be going to this location, that location, got to drive to Jersey, you got to drive to Brooklyn, wherever it is.

And it's raised awareness in our community and [00:14:00] people are now like, Oh, well, I heard you're part of this bomba group and, you know, we want to learn too. How can we get in touch? So, it's a great sense of pride. And again, going all the way back, I just remembered this. I think I was like 10.

They had this artist come and we made these Vejigante masks. It's like a, like a monster with horns and brightly colored and they scare away the evil spirits. But we wore them for the Puerto Rican Day Parade. So same kind of prideful feeling and then being able to share that knowledge with others.

Georgia Boothe: That is wonderful. It's great to stay connected to your heritage and to pass that on to your kids. You know, so what's ahead for you, Sarah, looking forward, what's ahead of you in terms of, you know, your role as a mom and a business person and a community member, like what's next for you?

Sarah Roman: As a mom, currently, my eldest is getting ready to go to high [00:15:00] school, so I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I know that there's some changes coming my way. But just supporting my kids and whatever, you know, they start questioning or interested in and kind of opening those doors and tapping into people I know. As for my business, I plan to grow just a little bit more before I take a step back per se from actually working on clients because I would like to work on community members.

One thing that happened when I was at the hospital, I had a nun take care of me. And when I left, I was like, okay, I need to go to where she is and give back to her. Cause she really like, kept an eye on me, checked up on me.

Cause it was a rough recovery. And just wanting to give back in that sense and not charge people because I find that insecurity with money is a great reason as to why people from the community I grew up in don't necessarily take care of themselves the way they should. And yeah, I guess that [00:16:00] kind of ties the business and the community.

Just giving back the gift that I was given to heal.

Georgia Boothe: That is so amazing. What are your hopes and dreamsfor your children as you look ahead, like, what are you hoping for them?

Sarah Roman: I want them to be genuinely happy. Happy and self-sufficient are my biggest things. Just because I remember what it was like growing up in Section 8.

There's this scarcity of not necessarily, oh, what am I going to eat tomorrow? But like, I don't have a dress for this, or, I don't know how to explain it. There's just this, a fear. An umbrella of fear that I don't want them to ever experience.

Georgia Boothe: Yeah. It's the mindset of you know, I was listening to a podcast earlier that, they were talking about this mindset of scarcity, right?

Versus a mindset of possibilities and what you need to do to make something happen as opposed to feeling [00:17:00] like, you know, you don't have what it takes to make that happen. And that's a very different mindset. So I certainly as a mom of two boys myself, like, I certainly get that and, and also understand what it's like to grow up and be told, well, we can't do this because we don't have money for that.

So that's, that's awesome. Are there any kind of mentors that have helped guide you along the way that you're still kind of connected to today, that give you advice and support as you're navigating life?

Sarah Roman: Oh yeah. So, every now and then, it's not consistently, but one of my mentors from Project Live, Veronique, she'll kind of get in contact. We'll say, “Hi, happy birthday.” And then I also, along the way, try to grasp life, I realized I wasn't great with numbers so I have a financial advisor who's helped me a great deal. Her name is Candace. Without her, I'd be really lost [00:18:00] with my business. I would say those are probably my two biggest mentors in life right now.

Georgia Boothe: That's great. It's, it's so amazing to kind of recognize you know, where you have some challenges or some areas that you're not as comfortable in and know that there are folks that you can reach out to who will help you with that.

So that's fantastic. That's awesome. Great insight on your part. So now we're going to do a series of like, rapid fire questions. Don't think about them too much. Just say what comes to you initially, and we typically end our podcasts with these questions.

What's your favorite color?

Sarah Roman: Purple.

Georgia Boothe: What's your least favorite color?

Sarah Roman: White.

Georgia Boothe: White, you said?

Sarah Roman: Yeah, white.

Georgia Boothe: Oh, okay. What inspires you the most?

Sarah Roman: My kids.

Georgia Boothe: Oh, that's so nice. What discourages you the most?

Sarah Roman: Mean people.

Georgia Boothe: [00:19:00] I know. What is a mantra or a quote that you live by?

Sarah Roman: Today is a great day to live.

Georgia Boothe: Oh, I love that. That's awesome. Like built into it is this sense of gratitude. That's amazing. Thank you. What sound or noise brings you peace?

Sarah Roman: Birds, but not pigeons.

Georgia Boothe: Yes.

I know, it's hard to love pigeons in New York City. They're more of a nuisance. What sound or noise do you find unsettling?

Sarah Roman: People chewing.

Georgia Boothe: Interesting. Okay. What career or role would you love to pursue, even if it's just for a day?

Sarah Roman: I’d like to be a vet.

Georgia Boothe: Okay, interesting.

What job or role do you think you would not like to pursue at all?

Sarah Roman: Teacher.

Georgia Boothe: Really? That's interesting.

Sarah Roman: Not in today's age and time.

Georgia Boothe: It's hard to be a teacher today, but I think you would probably be really good at [00:20:00] it.

Sarah Roman: I think if things change, attitudes and, you know, maybe the pay a little bit. I'll think about it.

Georgia Boothe: Okay, that's fair. If you could share one message with the world about the impact of ľ��ֱ��, what would it be?

Sarah Roman: This is a hard one. It opened up my eyes to so many different lives, of watch out for, you know, like, oh, I don't want to deal with someone with that kind of hostility, or how do I avoid that, or how do I approach that in a peaceful manner.

Georgia Boothe: That's amazing. Sarah, thank you so much for being here today and for sharing your story. I'm going to encourage as many of our young people to watch this episode. I think you are such an inspiration to me. Just having this conversation and listening to you and your commitment to the community and giving [00:21:00] back is just really, really inspiring.

And thank you for what you're doing and for your continued contributions. I look forward to hearing what's next for you and learning about where your business goes from here. Thank you so much.

Sarah Roman: Thank you. I appreciate you, creating these stories and letting the world know what we experienced and I hope for generations to come, it still exists. Other kids are able to experience the same things I did.

Georgia Boothe: Thank you so much. Really appreciate you being here.

Sarah Roman: Thank you.