Written by: Robyn Shulman

That’s a party——————————–>  

Yesterday I sat with over 1,300 children at Holiday for Hope in its 25th anniversary, run by Dreams for Kids. There were people from all ages, all walks of life, and we were all facing different circumstances and challenges. I had the honor of meeting Clara, from Clara’s House, a beautiful woman inside and out. I held little hands, helped kids pick out books, and watched hundreds of boys play basketball with Dave Corzine. I saw the future as each child looked up at me with big, glowing eyes and a bright smile. My heart was filled with joy as happiness filled the room.

There was a boy who sat with my family at lunchtime. I didn’t have the chance to say good-bye or wish him luck in the future. He told us about his favorite meal. He laughed with my daughter when he couldn’t believe she was a bit older than him. He smiled throughout the entire lunch. He wants to be an engineer. I wanted to tell him many things before I left, but we lost each other in the crowd of so many.

If you should get this letter by any chance, I hope you know that you made a lasting impression on this former teacher. If I don’t ever see you again, please know that below are the words I would share with you.

To The Boy Who Is Going Places:

I didn’t have the chance to say good-bye or wish you luck in the future, and I wanted to let you know, as a teacher, how impressed I was with you. You sat with my family and me at lunchtime today and told us about your favorite meal down to every detail and side dish. I went to get you an extra juice, and you said, “any flavor is fine, thank you.” You laughed with my daughter and told us about school. You couldn’t believe she was a little older than you, and your eyes lit up when you heard my nephew shared the same name as you.

As a teacher, I believe every child is special. I sat with you for only 15 minutes and I immediately knew that you would be going places. You were funny, polite, giving and smart. You are unique and have the ability to go very far and make a difference in this world.

-Keep smiling
-Keep going
-Share that amazing personality
-Do your best in school, as you will see it will bring you a bright future
-Never give up
-Always believe in yourself and pass it on to others

You have a gift and I know you are going to great places. Use your gift, cherish it, and help others. You are a Dream Leader.

If this article reaches you, please find us at http://www.dreamsforkids.org to see how you can become an official Dream Leader.