Learning to Feel Again

For this 7th grade student, emotions weren’t safe. He believed that crying made him weak — that the only way to handle pain was to shut it down.

But in our mentor circles, he found something different. Through honest conversation and attuned listening, he learned that feeling is a strength, not a flaw.

One day, he allowed himself to cry for the first time in a long time — not out of defeat, but out of release. That moment marked a turning point.

When students are given space to process their emotions, they begin to heal.
And when they heal, they begin to lead.

That’s the heart of FOR Lakeland — helping students grow emotionally, not just academically.

👉 Become a Partner or Make a Donation to help more students like Jaquan find their voice and strength.

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