In this episode, we delve into the power of nostalgia and how it shapes our lives through the lens of the Boys and Girls Club. Join us on a walk down memory lane as we explore the stories of Steven and Alicia, two individuals whose lives have been deeply intertwined with the club and its impact. Steven, once a kid too small to see over the pool table, grew up in the club, returned as a staff member, and eventually became a club director. Now, he leads the very first Boys and Girls Tech Club in Santa Fe. The journey from a young club member to a mentor is not just full circle, but full volume, as Steven also shreds guitar in not one, but two heavy metal bands.

Across the country, Boys and Girls Clubs have been more than just after-school programs. They have been memory makers, safe havens, and launchpads, fostering a sense of belonging and community. You'll hear stories that echo across generations from people who grew up under the glow of gym lights, a feeling that once you step inside those walls, it stays with you. Act one explores the first memories of the club, where small moments stick with you, like the color of the walls, the sound of sneakers on the gym floor, or how the air felt when you first walked in. These memories become the beginning of something real, shaping how individuals see themselves and the world around them.

The club isn't just a place to go after school; it's where kids feel seen and heard for the first time, where they can choose who they are and who they might become. For Alicia, her first experience at the club was scary as a little kid, hiding under a table with the big kids, but eventually blossoming into a mentor for the next generation. The club culture has shifted over the years, embracing more tech and structure while still holding onto the core belief that every kid deserves a place to belong.

Act two highlights the importance of storytelling and passing on memories, whether through funny anecdotes, staff meetings turned into storylines, or teaching music to young children. These stories not only preserve the past but also create bridges between who we were and who we are becoming. Nostalgia grows with us, shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it. The club becomes a place where memories transform into lessons, moments become turning points, and every corner holds a story of belonging and connection.

The final act focuses on the impact of preserving the past and mentoring future generations. Through skills development, comfort with technology, and the opportunity to try, fail, and try again, the club provides valuable experiences that shape young minds and foster growth. Nostalgia isn't just about reminiscing; it's about recognizing our progress and the opportunities we provide for others. Steven reflects on his younger self and how proud he would be of the meaningful work he continues to do, providing opportunities that wouldn't exist without the Boys and Girls Club.

Join us on this heartfelt journey through memories, mentorship, and the lasting impact of a place that holds so much more than just four walls. Welcome to the club, where the past, present, and future intersect in stories that resonate across generations.

Welcome to Full Circle, a new podcast that brings you real stories from different perspectives, shaped and structured in scenes with characters and reflection, inspired by the storytelling style of This American Life. I'm Jonathan and I'm Mateo, interns with SFCCI and Work Based Learning, tasked with creating a podcast this summer that is meaningful and real.

Our podcast explores the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Fe, a place deeply intertwined with the community and serving as a second home for many kids. Through interviews with individuals who have been part of the clubs since childhood, we discovered a common theme of growth, support, and belonging. The stories we collected led us to the realization that where you begin in life shapes who you become, and often, you find yourself returning to those roots to give back.

Full Circle is made up of two episodes, recorded in a Boys and Girls Club setting, capturing the authentic sounds of children laughing and learning in the background. The first episode, titled "Before the Break," delves into the origins and influences that shape individuals, featuring interviews with key figures such as the CEO of Santa Fe Boys and Girls Club and a successful architect who attribute their success to their early experiences.

The second episode, "Nostalgia," explores the enduring impact of the past on the present, evoking powerful emotions and memories that shape our identities and sense of home. Through interviews with the director of the Santa Fe Boys and Girls Tech Club and a former club kid turned employee, we witness how the past lingers in our voices, choices, and overall outlook on life.

Whether you have a connection to the Boys and Girls Clubs or not, we hope that these stories resonate with you, prompting moments of reflection and recognition. Ultimately, Full Circle reminds us that understanding where we are going often requires looking back at where we started. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and nostalgia as we explore the enduring impact of our roots in shaping who we are today. This is Full Circle.

In this episode, I explore the compelling origin stories of individuals whose lives were shaped by unexpected beginnings and powerful transformations. From humble roots at the Boys & Girls Club to the early startup days of companies like Apple, and even the spark of inspiration that led journalist Wade Roush down his path—all of these stories highlight resilience, growth, and the discovery of identity. These are the defining moments that shaped who they are today.

In the prologue, I reflect on the origins of the Boys & Girls Club and how it has evolved over time to support youth across the country. I also trace the humble beginnings of Apple, offering a glimpse into how innovation often starts small. Finally, I share how podcaster and journalist Wade Roush found his passion for storytelling, inspired by the legendary Carl Sagan.

In Act One, I sit down with Sarah Gettler, CEO of the Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club, to discuss her perspective on anti-bullying and how the organization supports young people facing those challenges. I also speak with Alicia Gettler, a team member at the Santa Fe Teen Center, who shares her deeply personal experience with bullying and how it shaped her outlook on life.

In Act Two, I connect with Amanda Webber, an architect whose journey to her profession is as inspiring as the spaces she helps create. We talk about the pivotal moments that led her to architecture and how her path unfolded through perseverance and passion.

Finally, I close the episode by sharing a bit of my own journey—where I am now, what I’ve learned through these conversations, and the vision I have for my future.