May 01, 2025 Aria's Story “It takes a very brave person to do something like this. No matter what happens, I am so proud of you for trying something new.” — Lupe, Friend This spring, Aria* took the stage at Pease Park, dancing in front of a large crowd during Austin’s "Art in the Park" series. Watching her perform with confidence and joy was a powerful reminder of just how far she’d come. Aria first joined Friends Austin in 2020, shortly after her fourth birthday. With schools moved online due to COVID-19, social opportunities for young children were limited. Her mentor, Lupe, met with Aria’s father. It was immediately clear how deeply he cared about creating a safe, loving home for his children. Still, the isolation of the pandemic made it difficult for Aria to build confidence and connect with others. Starting school was overwhelming. When Lupe would ask Aria about her days at school, she often shared that she was too scared to talk or raise her hand. Lupe turned to art as a bridge. Through drawing pictures of her family and her beloved cat, Blue, Aria slowly began to express herself more freely. Lupe noticed that Aria loved showing her artwork to others. Building on that spark, Lupe encouraged Aria to try another form of self-expression: ballet. At first, Aria was hesitant. She worried she wouldn’t be good enough. Lupe reassured her they would just try one class together. No pressure, no commitment. When Aria put on her tights and leotard for the first time, she caught her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She looked like a ballerina, just like her peers. Her first class was, in Aria’s words, “so much fun!” From that day on, she returned week after week, no convincing needed. Recently, Aria learned she would have the opportunity to perform at Pease Park. Excited but scared, she confided in Lupe, worried she might mess up. Lupe validated her feelings, reminding her: "It takes a very brave person to do something big like this. It’s okay to feel scared. No matter what happens, I am so proud of you for trying something new." After five years of trust, encouragement, and countless small steps forward, Aria performed with confidence and grace. She looked like a natural onstage—and even more importantly, she felt proud of herself. We’re honored to walk alongside Aria and so many others on their journey to finding their spark. *Name changed for privacy.