Zaakirah Muhammad, Key Club Alumni

I joined the Key Club of Tampa Bay Technical High School as a freshman, and that decision positively impacted my entire four years of high school. I remember it clearly, I was sitting eating lunch with friends and I looked up and saw this big bright colored poster that said "Key Club." I asked my friends if they knew what it was (they didn't). I then asked if it had to do with making keys? (They still didn't know). I walked over to the table to find out, and found out it's actually a service club specifically for giving back to the community. 

 After four years of being in the club, my question about making keys was answered: we hold the key to changing our world. I enjoyed the first few service projects so much, my weekend became filled with service projects. After attending my first DCM and KCKC, I was blown away by all the amazing young leaders I met, and how many simple things I had in common with the people I met, which wasn't something I got on a regular at my high school. I was a shy and quiet person, but I developed the confidence to run for secretary my freshman year. I didn't win, but my faculty advisor saw potential in me and appointed me as the Sophomore Class Director. 

 I really enjoyed that leadership position and learned a lot. In the middle of my sophomore year I moved to a different city and a different high school. The school did not have a Key Club. As I discovered, I began to really miss the concept of Key Club. With the help of a classmate, I started a Key Club my junior year at McFatter Technical High School. I was elected Club President for two years in a row. Being a Key Club member and having a high club leadership position, was a challenge, but it was a challenge that was worth it in the end.

 enjoyed it and learned a lot about the club, people, and myself. I became a more confident person, public speaker, and delegater, and that showed in every aspect of my life. I had great support with forming the club! Key Club is one of the many experiences that made me who I am today. It's true as they say, it takes one person to believe in you to make a dream possible! I got the long awaited opportunity to travel to DCON both years as a Club President, and I have never been to a conference that was entirely student led, entirely fun and exciting, and completely touching and inspiring! It is the best way to fully understand Key Club and celebrate the end of a hard working year! I'm so grateful to have had Key Club in my life. As a result, I'm looking forward to being a Kiwanian, I love giving back, and hopefully getting my future children involved in enjoying it just the same!