Student leader inspires others

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Amy Liu is helping younger peers succeed in life. "It just touches my heart sometimes, you know, being here seeing them seeing them grow."

The 18-year-old Dixie Hollins graduate knows what struggle feels like. She came here from China 11 years ago.

"My mom brought me here with her marriage to my step-dad," said Amy. "Unfortunately she left me when I was 12. So, I was down here by myself."

Amy was on her own and bounced around living at several friends' homes until she found a program that helps homeless children.

“I am who I am right now because of every single little thing that has happened," Amy said.

Big things are now happening for Amy. She was selected as a Bank of America student leader. The initiative was started 15 years ago to help develop future community leaders. The students do internships at local Boys and Girls Clubs, community service projects and even travel to Washington D.C. 

"I was just very honored," Amy offered. 

"I think this experience just gives them a little bit of motivation, the tools, the education and the hands-on experience that they need to just give them that little push forward,” said Melissa Fields, who works for Bank of America.

Their commitment to hard work has had a big impact at the Boys and Girls Club. According to director Freddie Williams, "Being able to see what success looks like in many of the Bank of America interns is an inspiration for many of the younger kids."

Amy is proof that with hard word and determination, you can overcome all odds and a have a bright future. The Dixie Hollins High School grad’s GPA is 4.4. She is heading to the University of Florida to major in psychology this fall.