Xavier
Xavier first got connected to Touching Miami with Love (TML) during his freshman year of high school, when he happened to walk past a group of TML youth playing drums. Unbeknownst to us at the time, Xavier was a budding musician with a natural talent for percussion and a passion for leadership.
Reflecting on his early days at TML, Xavier recalls the fun and connection he experienced through games and activities, building friendships and memories that left a lasting impact. TML didn’t just provide a space for fun—it became a cornerstone for his growth. “Personally, TML has done so much for me, and academically, they helped me achieve better grades by giving me the support I needed,” Xavier shares.
Throughout his journey, the TML staff stood by him during pivotal moments, celebrating his successes and helping him prepare for his future. “When I made drum major in high school and when I got accepted into multiple colleges, they showed their support by congratulating me and helping me with the essentials to prepare for college.”
Xavier’s time at TML didn’t stop there. Inspired by his dream of working in education, he applied for the TML youth internship program to gain hands-on experience with children of all ages. He describes the most rewarding part of his internship as “learning how to organize plans for teaching,” which significantly strengthened his professional and leadership skills. “It really enhanced my professional skills because it taught me how to collaborate with coworkers and speak in a business setting,” he says. He also credits the internship with teaching him patience, a lesson he values deeply: “I was very impatient, but it taught me to sit back and take my time.”
When asked how TML has shaped his goals for the future, Xavier describes it as “a village”—a place where people genuinely care about their community and help others, no matter their circumstances. This sense of community inspired Xavier to give back in the same way TML gave to him. Today, he continues the cycle of support as an instructor at TML, helping kids in the same environment that helped shape him.
“Stick with them,” Xavier advises younger students starting their journey at TML. “TML will be the greatest help for you in the end.”
For Xavier, TML is more than a program; it’s a family that shaped his character, supported his dreams, and ignited his passion for leadership and teaching. His journey with TML exemplifies the power of mentorship, community, and the belief that it truly takes a village to raise a child.