Carolina Herrera’s License to Drive
Seventeen year old Carolina Herrera admits it up front. She doesn’t have her license and she doesn’t know how to drive. But
within minutes of speaking to her, it’s clear that Carolina is most certainly a “driver.” As the 2009 winner of the YMCA’s Woof Haneman Scholarship award, Carolina has a track record for hard work, community service and dedication to her family. What drives Carolina is a wish to fulfill the American Dream for her parents and a desire to leave behind a legacy that she can call her own.
With her long dark hair and calm, firm voice, Carolina takes charge of the bi-monthly Teen Leaders meetings at the Rye Y with a quiet confidence. She works with Y staffers Danielle Ybarra and Lou Caratelli to select the community service projects that the group of 10-12 teens will tackle for the year. She focuses on fun, creative projects that include painting a new mural for the Y’s Teen Lounge, updating and selling a cookbook for the Strong Kids fundraiser, and wrapping hundreds of holiday gifts for children in the Bronx.
Taking charge is easy for Carolina. As an only child of parents from Chile, Carolina has been “in charge” since the age of seven, when her mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. “I’ve always been really busy” says Carolina, “especially this year, with college just around the corner, working after school, Teen Leaders, and helping my family.”
With her Dad back to school for his own college degree, Carolina shoulders much more responsibility than the average teen. She possesses a caring spirit that’s resulted in over 300 volunteer hours at the Y, leadership in school clubs and a unique devotion to family and friends. She’s nervous about leaving her Mom come Fall, when she matriculates at American University in Washington D.C. Carolina is looking ahead to a career in international affairs, perhaps with a tie-in to children’s rights. “As a Y camp counselor, I found taking care of kids really rewarding. My Dad taught me the importance of humor and to have a caring nature. So maybe after college, I can leave my mark by helping kids… to give a voice to those who don’t have one.”
In her 3 years at the YMCA, Carolina believes that the support, understanding and friendship offered by the Teen staff have helped shape her future plans. She mentions Danielle, the Teen Coordinator, as being particularly influential. “Danielle has personality! She wants kids to feel comfortable, safe and trusting. I can talk to Danielle about anything – there’s no judgment. She gives guidance but isn’t afraid to give her opinion. She’s so hard working, honest and caring. Everyone should see her in action.”
When Danielle heard that Carolina was selected for the Woof Haneman scholarship, she wasn’t at all surprised and called to offer her congratulations. Carolina responded with a text message: “Thank you Danielle!! But honestly, I couldn’t have done it without u!! Seriously :) you’ve given me so many great opportunities and pushed me beyond my limits…I wholeheartedly appreciate & thank u for that & more.”
Carolina is off to Washington in September, but has promised to stay in touch with her friends at the Y. When Carolina comes driving up to its doors, the Y will be there for her.
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The Woof Haneman Award was started in 1998 in memory of long time Rye resident, Woof Haneman, husband of Nancy Haneman who is a Rye YMCA Trustee and former president of the Board. This $1500 scholarship recognizes an outstanding Rye High School student who demonstrates pride in the community and is involved with the YMCA.
The Teen Leaders Club at the Rye Y is run by and for teens in grades 9-12. Members meet bi-monthly to create positive change and implement new ideas to enhance the quality of teen programs. They are given the opportunity to create personal portfolios to assist in job searches, scholarships and college acceptance.
