When Ruth first joined the YELLS Afterschool Program, she faced a challenge that would intimidate many students her age: learning English as a second language. Reading felt like climbing a mountain, each page filled with obstacles. At YELLS, though, Ruth had learned the power of “yet,” and she knew that although reading may feel hard now, with practice and a growth mindset, she could learn and grow. Ruth carried with her this spark of determination, and she wasn’t alone on her journey. Ms. Azhinaye, one of our dedicated YELLS Summer Camp counselors, was by her side and ready to cheer her on every step of the way.
This past summer, Ruth set her eyes on the Summer Reading Challenge. She wanted to read eight books in order to earn a free book from Barnes & Noble. While that goal may have seemed daunting, Ruth leaned in with courage. Each day, she picked up a book with persistence, and each day, Azhinaye was there to guide her, encourage her, and celebrate her progress.
Together, they turned what could have been a struggle into a joyful journey. Ruth not only met her reading goal, she nearly doubled it, reading almost twice the required number of books.
“Finishing the Summer Reading Challenge made me feel really good, and I was so excited when I got to pick out my free book!” – Ruth
For a student still new to English, this was extraordinary. And for Azhinaye, watching Ruth’s confidence grow with every page was just as rewarding.
Ruth’s success is not just about books, it’s about resilience, confidence, and the power of having someone believe in you. With encouragement from the YELLS family and her own determination, Ruth discovered the joy of achievement. Ruth’s journey reminds us that success isn’t built alone. It happens when determination meets support, when mentors invest in youth, and when communities come together to lift each other up.
When we work as a community, we build strengths that multiply. Ruth’s story is proof that with opportunity, encouragement, and a shared commitment to each other, we can create transformational change in the lives of our youth and in our community as a whole. And with your support, mentors like Azhinaye can continue to walk alongside students, turning challenges into triumphs and making moments of growth feel like victories worth celebrating.
Reach out to Laura@YELLSinc.org or visit our Volunteer or Giving pages to explore how you can experience the joy of celebrating these moments of achievement with our youth.
