As the autumn air settles over the Plateau, the approaching Thanksgiving holiday reminds us to pause and reflect on our blessings.
The Literacy & Learning Center recently asked the students in the After-School program what they are most grateful for this year. While their answers were wonderfully diverse, ranging from family to simple daily comforts, a common theme emerged: a profound gratitude for the people and places that make their lives safe, supportive, and filled with love.
Gratitude for Mentors: At TL&LC, a student’s success often starts with a helping hand. Many students voiced their appreciation for the caring adults in their lives, including “Ms. Caroline,” a vital source of support. This gratitude is extended to the dedicated staff and volunteers who sit side by side with our learners, patiently guiding them through challenging assignments. This one-on-one attention is the quiet, daily magic that ensures children stay on track and feel confident in their schoolwork.
Gratitude for Learning & Community: The students also recognized the importance of the safe space they build together. Though they didn’t mention books directly, they celebrated their “friends” and the feeling of belonging that is the foundation for learning. TL&LC is a place where students can connect with their peers, form friendships, and feel secure, which enables them to thrive. Even simple responses, like being thankful for “food” and “the whole world,” point to a newfound sense of security and awareness that learning fosters.
Gratitude for Family: Unsurprisingly, the most profound gratitude was reserved for family. Quotes poured in expressing thanks for “mother,” “father,” “parents,” and “siblings to play with.” One student movingly noted, “I am thankful for my dad who provides for our family,” and his “mother for her care.” These loving bonds, including the companionship of a “dog” or “stepbrother,” fuel the confidence they bring to classrooms every day.
The heartfelt thanks from TL&LC After-school students for their family, friends, and dedicated teachers are a direct result of the support from donors, volunteers, and the community. Your generosity ensures that every child has a safe and nurturing environment in which to learn and grow.
The Center extends its sincerest appreciation for helping foster this culture of gratitude and success. Staff at The Literacy & Learning Center wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Please consider supporting the Center to keep these vital programs running. For more information, please contact Jenni Edwards at JEdwards@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org or (828) 526-0863.
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