Every family has traditions. One of the traditions I’ve upheld in our family, even when the kids would complain about it, is the weekly question during Sunday evening meals: “What’s the best part of your week, and what’s the worst part of your week?” I try to avoid allowing the answer to be about the weather.
What are some of your family traditions? Maybe they’re from your childhood, or perhaps they’re ones you’ve set. These traditions and habits that you uphold through all seasons, the highs and lows, and regardless of changes—I’d love to hear about them!
At Elevate, I never tire of hearing students, without prompting, refer to fellow students and our staff as “like a family.” “It’s like a nice little family, not a program,” is something I’ve heard over and over. As a student-first-led organization, it brings our team joy every time we hear it! This phrase has become so common among students from different cultures, communities, and personalities that it’s become a bit of a tradition. It’s about how students are treated respectfully, how they’re welcomed at the door of Elevate, how their voices are honored, and the emphasis we place on enjoying meals together (despite most of our grant funding restricting food, lol).
This year’s theme reflects two essential truths about our approach to serving the students of our city. The 2024-2025 theme for Elevate Indianapolis is “A Big Family with Big Goals.”
And I’ll say what I’ve said hundreds of times over the years: the problems in Indianapolis aren’t the kids! Five weeks into the 2024-2025 program year, I’ve been reminded of the talent, potential, and promise of our kids. With 15 classes already underway, hundreds of students are being served by Elevate, and I’d say the year has started off strong.
So many stories have poured in, and while it’s not always roses and rainbows, we’re seeing a great start. Students like Yaquelin, who is currently taking our college and career readiness course, Elevate Beyond, are showing great potential.
Yaquelin is a senior at Arsenal Tech High School who has often flown under the radar because she quietly does her work, never causes issues, and rarely asks for anything, despite being an English Language Learner and occasionally needing support. She hasn’t been able to spend much time with us outside of school over the past three years because she helps at home with younger siblings and participates in both marching band and orchestra. Our Teacher-Mentors have shared that, with a GPA above 3.0, Yaquelin is now preparing for graduation, applying for scholarships, and hopes to attend a local university! We’re incredibly proud of her, and the year has just begun.
But no one gets there alone, and we need you! Yes, you! 👀 Together, we can make a life-changing difference. Without you, we will still do our best. We will serve students and help them feel “seen, known, heard, and loved.” But with you joining arms with our team, we can make an even greater impact!
I hope you’ll consider an upcoming engagement opportunity, whether it’s ways to volunteer, give back, or share with your friends, company, or church. As a “Big Family with Big Goals” supporting students like Yaquelin, we can’t do it without our community engagement partners, volunteers, donors, board members, and Elevate advocates.
Building positive traditions within a “family” requires deliberate and thoughtful intention, while also working to undo negative traditions. I’m proud of our student-first-led organization for intentionally creating positive traditions for generations to come.
If you’d like to learn more about the traditions we help create through mentoring, email me or Braylon at Braylon@elevateindy.org to learn how to visit, engage, and support.
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