Kmariyah started attending when she was in third grade. Her introduction to By The Hand was made easier by the people she met. She explains, “When I started in third grade, I felt shy. But I watched the people around me having fun, laughing and playing games. They acted like they wanted me there. It made me feel welcome and comfortable.” Now she’s part of the family.
While Kmariyah is thriving socially, she’s also soaring academically. The encouragement from By The Hand has made a huge impact on Kmariyah’s confidence. This hard-working scholar with big dreams knows she can ask for help when she meets an academic challenge. “My team leader will help me think it through and break it down.” And she’s proud of the progress she’s made using Lexia to supplement the work she’s doing at school. Kmariyah’s effort and drive are paying off. She consistently earns As and Bs and is looking to finish middle school strong. She says, “My goal is to get into one of my top three choices for a top-tier high school. I know it will be harder, but I want to earn straight As and be able to go to college. That will help me with my dream of owning my own business.” Her By The Hand leaders know this young lady can do anything she puts her mighty mind to and they support her in her hard work.
Our students have the power to impact Chicago’s greatest needs. You have the power to show these young men and women abundant life—mind, body and soul.