Sixth-grader Emily has big dreams. She looks forward to joining her school’s cheerleading and volleyball teams, and she lights up when she talks about gymnastics. Her Friend, Alexandria, uses these opportunities to connect to larger themes: “We’ve talked about what it takes to be on a team,” she shares. “You have to commit. Once you’re on a team, they count on you to show up, even on the days when it’s cold and rainy or you’re just tired.”

Emily is no stranger to change. At 11 years old, she has already known the child welfare system, experienced the weight of mental health struggles in her family, and experienced housing and food insecurity. She met Alexandria over a year and a half ago, after transitioning from another Friend. Last school year, she navigated having four different fifth grade teachers at one school.

With Alexandria by her side, Emily is learning that change does not have to be scary. “It was a very unstable school year, and as you can imagine, with that many changes, you might just be unmotivated,” says Alexandria. “It was a hard transition for everybody, but through all that adversity, Emily had almost perfect attendance, her grades improved to nearly all As, and she was involved in extracurriculars throughout the second semester. That was one of the most incredible things I’ve seen: perseverance and grit have really shone through all she’s experienced this year.”

Of course, some things have stayed the same since Alexandria first became Emily’s Friend. They still love exploring parks, going swimming, and being active together. “She’s talented, and people see that in her. I know sometimes she can feel a little shy, but she’s a very bright star. People are very impressed by all the amazing things she does.”