Seven-year-old Jasmine* has an active imagination, and she loves to learn. When she sees her Friend Tiffany each week, she looks forward to telling her about what she is doing in school. “She tells me about art class and what she made,” Tiffany says, “and she will play and practice her reading in the back of the car.”

Although she enjoys learning, school can sometimes be a challenge for Jasmine. Academically, she is behind her classmates, and she is currently being tested for dyslexia. Jasmine has an older sister who has been diagnosed with dyslexia, too. “Jasmine demonstrates a lot of self-determination and a growth mindset,” says Tiffany. “Even though she has been struggling with her reading, she is very determined and practices without me having to initiate it. She shows great tenacity in everything she does, and she doesn’t let mistakes get her down.”

To Jasmine, who is shy but makes friends very easily, a friend like Tiffany is kind above all else. Tiffany remembers the first time they met at Jasmine’s school over a year ago, and she reflected on her hopes and goals for Jasmine in the next year. “At the end of the school year,” Tiffany laughs, “Jasmine told her teacher that she would become a better reader than her! She works hard at learning, and I hope it comes true for her.”

*Youth name changed for privacy