In the midst of family and academic struggles in her sophomore year of high school, Daisy found herself disconnected from school, classmates and family. After learning about a new summer program for young Southeast Asian women from EBAYC Youth Counselor Linda Vongthongkham, Daisy was eager to join a group that could understand what she was going through. “We bonded with one another. It felt like I was part of something.” Through self-reflection, communication and community, the Young Women’s Empowerment Circle helped Daisy realize the value of investing in herself. “Now I care more about my education and how it is going to affect my future.” When the next school year started, Daisy went from having a 0.8 GPA to getting straight B’s. She now sees college as a key part of her future and aspires to go into politics.