What Every Student Wants to Hear: “We’re Proud of You.”

This week in our mentor circles, we asked a simple question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

One student shared that he wanted to be a professional basketball player. When we asked him why, his answer came quickly: he wanted to make his family proud. Then he added—almost quietly—that he especially wanted to make his dad proud, even though his dad isn’t around.

It was a heart-wrenching moment. Behind his dream was an unmet desire we see in so many students—the belief that if I can just be successful enough, maybe then I’ll be noticed… maybe then I’ll be valued.

But that moment also opened the door to something powerful.
We were able to look him in the eyes and remind him of a truth he rarely hears:

We’re already proud of who you are.
Not because of what you’ve done.
Not because of what you might achieve.
But simply because you’re you.

These are the conversations that change a student’s story.
These are the moments your support makes possible.

👉 Become a Partner or Make a Donation to help us continue investing in the people shaping the next generation.
Follow along for more updates on Instagram.