Fiver Staff Highlight: Aislee ‘14
As I got older, I learned that the answers may not always be in close reach, but it is vital to trust yourself, never stay complacent, and be okay with feeling uncomfortable in order to challenge yourself to be the best you can be.
Being an individual is one of Fiver’s values, and throughout the program, Fivers learn what truly makes them unique and special. For alumna Aislee Berenice Nieves ‘14, being an individual means “finding your voice within any community that you are a part of, taking risks and pushing past your comfort zone to grow and learn everyday.”
Aislee holds a Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University and a Masters degree in Youth Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. She currently serves as Fiver’s High School Program Manager, managing all non-camp programming for grades 9-12.
From supporting college workshops and decision day programming to planning the Summer Job Training Program, Aislee shows up as herself to every space that she’s in and encourages youth to do the same. She uses a Mood meter to gauge everyone’s mood when she speaks with them or plans icebreakers and team building activities to keep staff and youth energy and morale up.
When asked why it’s important to bring her individuality to her work at Fiver, she explained, “I have been fortunate enough to experience the ten-year commitment at Fiver so I know the ‘magic’ that every Fiver feels during a program or when they meet with a counselor is what keeps them coming back for more. I make sure I balance my professional and personal life and show up as my authentic, funny and diligent self to ensure that I do my best daily.”
The advice she has to give to high school students on how to be an individual is “Set firm boundaries with yourself and do not be afraid to outgrow people who do not share mutual positive values. Be yourself! Get involved in as much as you can and try as hard as you can no matter how defeated you may feel or impossible things may seem. Rest if you must, but don’t ever quit!”
