By Ray Anderson, AmeriCorps Promise Fellow serving at Fridley High School
This year for the holidays I decided to give each of my Focus List students a card. Within each of the cards it applauded their efforts rather than their abilities; I was trying to reinforce the growth mindset. I was beyond rewarded when I had more than one of my students return the favor. I received notes from a handful of my Focus List kids and the words I received were beyond rewarding. The most powerful was from a young man I have been working with since last year. I really feel our work together expresses the meaning of my service. His note was very meaningful to me and brought me great joy! It is this note (along with the words from other students) that keeps me on my path to be involved in improving the lives of youth.