Sasha's Story:
Sasha Sanon, C5 Class of 2O18​
Sasha Sanon was a curious student in Grade 7 at West Middle School in Brockton when a teacher recommended her for the Crossroads C5 Leaders program. Reflecting on that first summer at Camp Wing and the start of her five-year journey in the C5 program, Sasha says, “Like a domino effect, that moment changed the trajectory of my life.”
Sasha credits Crossroads as a partner on her path toward success, and recalls the new experiences that challenged her to step outside her comfort zone. “The wilderness trek to Wyoming was the number one thing I’ve ever done in my life and helped me realize that if I could accomplish that, I could do anything!” adds Sasha.
C5 College Tour was another important moment, one that introduced Sasha to her alma mater, Northeastern University. “I don’t think I would have been on that campus without Crossroads; my mom would not have been able to take me on college tours.” The week-long exploration of area colleges helps students discover the best fit for their unique pursuits, as they set goals and plan for the future.
Today, Sasha is a CPA at The Siegfried Group, and a class of 2020 graduate of Northeastern University where she earned her MA of Science in Accounting and her BA of Science in Business Administration. In her role, Sasha applies her leadership and communication skills, guiding clients through accounting or system challenges and ensuring a positive experience.
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Lydia's Story:
Lydia Bloodsworth, C5 Class of 2O24, Camp Counselor 2O23-2O24​
When Lydia embarked on her journey to The University of Maine, to study mechanical engineering, she was already carrying the invaluable lessons she’d learned through her years participating in the Crossroads C5 Leaders program. Now a freshman navigating a new environment, Lydia's reflections offer insight into the transformative power of community service, leadership, and personal growth.
Discovering the Value of Community
Lydia’s introduction to Crossroads was not without its challenges. Coming into something new and unfamiliar, she initially felt out of place. Yet, Crossroads offered her a space to connect with others, fostering a tight-knit community where trust and camaraderie flourished.
“By the end of that first session, it was clear: we weren’t just participants in a program. We were building a family,” she shared. This sense of belonging allowed Lydia to embrace her authentic self and explore her leadership potential.
Through leadership activities and even a mountain trek, she discovered a metaphor that has stayed with her: if you can climb a mountain, you can tackle life’s challenges.
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Lessons in Leadership and Service
C5 Leaders learn to take steps to improve their community and make a difference. Community service connects a cause with the actions needed to support it, turning ideas into real change. Lydia did just that in her hometown of Brockton, where she recognized issues in her school system and decided to take action. Volunteering daily in her school library, she not only helped students navigate software and resources but also created a safe space for connection. “The library became a place where people could chill and feel a sense of community,” Lydia explained.
She remains passionate about service, even amid her busy college schedule. Whether it's volunteering at the campus food bank, picking up litter, or planning future contributions to her university’s surrounding community, Lydia exemplifies how small acts of service can create meaningful change.
Full Circle: Giving Back as a Mentor
Returning to Crossroads as a summer camp counselor was a “full-circle moment” for Lydia. She applies her experiences to mentor younger campers, helping them navigate and explore their own path toward growth and achievement. She also returns to help out with school year pathway weekends whenever she can.
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“Even as a staff member, I’m still learning. The intentionality behind every activity at Crossroads is something I appreciate even more now,” she said. Her commitment to paying it forward ensures that future generations of leaders will have the same life-changing opportunities she did.
The Impact of Saying “Yes”
Lydia reflects on how pivotal it was to embrace the unknown and join Crossroads despite her initial hesitation. “I have friends who regret not joining or sticking with the program. Once they saw how much I was thriving, they wished they’d taken the leap,” she said.
This sentiment extends beyond Crossroads. Whether it’s navigating the male-dominated field of mechanical engineering, joining new extracurriculars, or finding ways to serve her new community, Lydia’s philosophy is clear: growth often lies outside your comfort zone.
Final Thoughts
Community service is more than just an act of giving—it’s a pathway to connection, self-discovery, and empowerment. For Lydia, it’s also a bridge to her future. With aspirations to teach someday, she sees her time at Crossroads as foundational to her goals.
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As Lydia puts it, “Crossroads doesn’t just teach you to lead; it equips you with tools to keep growing.” Her journey highlights the power of community and the lasting impact of service. Whether it’s a small gesture or a lifelong commitment, giving back is a gift that enriches everyone involved.
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Watch a video of Lydia talking about being a counselor.
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zeke's story:
Zeke Lemieux, C5 Class of 2O23​
At his Crossroads’ C5 Leaders graduation in May 2023, Zeke Lemieux received an award for his commitment to community service, and his role in creating positive changes in the world.
Giving back to his community has always been something that Zeke has been involved with, first at church, and later at Crossroads, and in a student group that he helped run at Brockton High School.
Community service is part of the experience for young people participating in the Crossroads leadership programs. Each teen in the five-year C5 Leaders program completes 40 hours of community service, an experience meant to empower young people to be community-focused and aware of the needs of others.
For his C5 final project, Zeke researched then collected books for people who are incarcerated. “I was looking for a way to acknowledge the humanity of this community. I love books, and was inspired by the role of books in the movie Shawshank Redemption. I’m still collecting books, and have a stack that I’ll be sending out over my winter break from college.”
“Crossroads gave me a lens to the world—that I have the power to make my ideas a reality, and make positive change. I'm forever grateful for that knowledge,” says Zeke.
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Basmala's story:
Basmala Ibrahim, C5 Class of 2O24, Couselor 2O23-2O24​
When Basmala first heard about Crossroads, she wasn’t sure what to expect. A recommendation from her math teacher led her to apply, and her mother’s surprising approval of the overnight program gave her the green light to take a leap of faith. Fast forward to today, and Basmala, now a student at Northeastern University, credits the program with shaping her into the confident, community-minded leader she is today.
Basmala’s Crossroads journey began in the summer of 2019 at Camp Lapham in Ashby. “I’d never been to a summer camp before,” she recalled, admitting she felt nervous about being in an unfamiliar environment where it seemed like everyone else already knew each other. Despite her initial hesitation, the warm and welcoming community quickly made her feel at ease. “The energy was super positive. It helped me step out of my comfort zone and build connections I never thought I’d have,” she said.
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Pushing Limits and Building Bonds
One of the most transformative experiences for Basmala was the Trek challenge during her third year in the program—a seven-day hiking trip through upstate New York. For someone who had never camped or spent extended time outdoors, this was no small feat. “It was physically and mentally challenging, but it taught me resilience,” she shared. “Now, when I face difficult tasks, I think, ‘If I could climb a mountain and survive seven days in the wilderness, I can handle this.’”
The Trek experience wasn’t just about personal growth; it was also about strengthening relationships. Sharing conversations around campfires and overcoming collective challenges created bonds she still cherishes.
The Power of Service and Mentorship
As Basmala progressed through the program, service became an integral part of her experience. From working at shelters and food pantries to creating goodie bags for those in need, she embraced opportunities to give back. Her C5 Leaders Medallion Project, a podcast titled Real Talk, tackled social topics affecting young people, such as the impact of social media and access to healthcare. “They really pushed us to think critically about how to create awareness and why people should care,” she explained, reflecting on the skills she gained through this process.
But perhaps her most profound realization came when she transitioned from participant to mentor. Over two summers, Basmala worked as a counselor, a role she described as “full circle.” She was inspired by her own experiences with counselors who had made her feel seen and supported. “I wanted to be that consistent, familiar face for the kids,” she said.
Through her role as a camp counselor, Basmala honed skills like patience, adaptability, and conflict resolution. “Working with kids is hard—you have to think on your feet and pivot when things don’t go as planned. It taught me to stay calm and find creative solutions,” she said.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
The lessons Basmala learned at Crossroads continue to shape her life. Now navigating the challenges of college, she draws on the confidence and social skills she developed in the program. “Meeting new people was daunting at first, but I’ve learned to put myself out there and build connections,” she said.
Basmala also carries with her the advice of mentors she met along the way: “Listen before you speak.” This simple but powerful reminder helps her approach group projects and leadership opportunities with thoughtfulness and empathy.
Why Crossroads Matters
When asked what she would tell someone considering Crossroads, Basmala’s response was clear: “If you want to grow and become a better version of yourself, this is the place to do it. It’s not just about the summer camp experience—it’s about lifelong skills and connections.”
Basmala’s story highlights the transformative power of programs like Crossroads. From the shy middle schooler stepping onto camp for the first time to the confident mentor guiding others, her journey exemplifies the ripple effect of mentorship and service. And as she continues to forge her path, she serves as an example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose. ​​​
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unique's story:
Unique Hodge, C5 Class of 2018
Last June, Unique graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Integrative Biology, and is now in her first year as an Associate Consultant with Bain & Company.
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Unique’s Crossroads' experience began at Camp Mitton at the age of seven. “Camp meant freedom to me, and was always a very loving place,” reflects Unique. She made strong friendships, and continues to travel the world with friends she met at camp.
One significant moment for Unique happened as a C5 Leader at Camp Lapham. A self-proclaimed “shy” person, she took a leap of faith and volunteered to direct the annual 24-Hour Production. This experiential learning challenge requires a group to pick a play, write a script, design sets and costumes, and perform the play—all within a 24-hour deadline. Unique remembers “stepping into herself as a leader” and loving it. She felt a true sense of accomplishment as their production of Annie hit the stage.
From that experience, Unique saw herself as a strong leader. She had the confidence to run for student body president in high school, and to pursue leadership roles while studying at Harvard University. Last June, she graduated from Harvard with a degree in Integrative Biology, and is now in her first year as an Associate Consultant with Bain & Company.
Life is a journey.
Crossroads inspires kids to be MORE by creating a space for new experiences, self-discovery, and fun. Teens in the C5 leadership program strive to be character driven, community focused, challenge ready, college/career bound, and committed to a better future.
Today, the connections of a supportive community are more important than ever. Your investment helps strengthen our Crossroads community. The impact of your support is clear in the stories of our vibrant young people.
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Que'Mya's story:
Que'Mya Brewster, C5 Class of 2O23​
Seeing her younger self through the eyes of a college student Que’Mya Brewster laughs as she recalls her 5-year-old self phoning her Nana from camp to ask if she could come home early. Nana told her to stick with it. Sometimes you need to dive into the pond, even when it’s chilly…and Nana can’t always be there to smooth every wrinkle.
Stick with it she did, and twelve years later, Que’Mya is now a 2O23 graduate of the Crossroads C5 Leaders program, attending UMass Lowell’s School of Nursing. She is still close enough to visit Nana, but she’s ready for every challenge that will come her way during her college years.