Kennedy and Amaya woke up early on Saturday morning in order to be ready for Rachel. Rachel had registered both girls and paid their fees for a workshop for girls interested in science and math called “Expanding Your Horizons”. She also agreed to take the girls to the conference. It was held on the campus of MTSU giving these 8th grade girls not only a chance to spend extended time with Rachel, to get the feel of a college campus, but also a chance to explore the world of science and math. I love that PTM students consistently have these amazing “after hours” opportunities.
I also love that Kennedy and Amaya recognized the value of Saturday. Rachel relayed a story to me about how both girls were describing the things they had learned in their workshops and how much they would like to participate again. Kennedy described to Rachel how there was a girl in her group who did not pay attention to the instructors and who even fell asleep during a workshop. Kennedy explained to Rachel, “that girl was wasting an opportunity’. Hearing Kennedy’s appreciation of her opportunity makes me smile. She is one who enrolled in PTM as a kindergartener and is now a participant in Calvin House youth, the Junior High afterschool program, Breakfast and Bible Study, Dinner and Devo, and will do Springbreak in the Marketplace in March. She keeps saying “yes” to many opportunities and is not wasting any of them.
I am so thankful for all of the many opportunities being provided for our students—and for the motivating and joy-filled friendships which won’t allow them to waste these opportunities.