Overcoming the Obstacle of Fear.
For many students, fear is a very real obstacle standing in the way of their success. Whether that fear is of failure, humiliation or simply not feeling “good enough,” it is our desire to empower Richmond county students to overcome these fears. When students feel able & enough— they are empowered to read and succeed.
A Story of Triumph
Sherice's journey began in September when her teacher referred her to the RISE Program. Struggling with reading proficiency and paralyzed by the fear of ridicule, she had convinced herself that she could never master the skill. Despondent and defeated, Sherice entered the program with a heavy heart.
Determined to make a difference, her RISE tutors embarked on a transformative journey with her, dedicating three days a week to unravel the mysteries of phonetics, word recognition, and rhyming. They went a step further, guiding Sherice in creating her own personalized book, complete with her own illustrations. This unique project aimed to familiarize her with sight words and their meanings took on a life of its own. It made learning words not only fun for her, it tapped into her creative side.
As weeks passed, Sherice underwent a remarkable transformation. The once despondent and withdrawn student found solace and joy in the tutoring sessions. No longer the shy child with her head perpetually hung down, Sherice emerged with newfound confidence and curiosity. Her teacher has been so excited by the change in her student – from a girl who wouldn't even attempt to participate in class to one brimming with questions and genuine engagement.
Now, Sherice says she loves to read, loves to draw, and is always looking for a new book! She still has literacy skills to master, but together with her teacher and the RISE Program, Sherice knows that she can learn the skills that she needs. She is no longer afraid or embarrassed. Sherice's story is not just about literacy; it's a testament to the power of dedicated support and the incredible transformation that can occur when a young mind is nurtured with patience and care.