Jacob’s Journey: From Hesitant Reader to Confident Learner
By Eric Steckel | March 13, 2025
Your Generosity Helped Jacob Realize His Potential, Build Confidence, and Achieve New Milestones In Reading.
Step by step, word by word—Jacob is unlocking his potential with the support of dedicated tutors like Doris. Your generosity makes moments like this reading intervention success story possible, helping children build confidence and reach new reading milestones!
Jacob’s transformation in Children Rising’s Succeeding by Reading program is a heartwarming reading intervention success story—a testament to perseverance, encouragement, and the impact of one-on-one support. Initially hesitant and unsure about participating, Jacob faced challenges in recognizing the value of his efforts. He occasionally arrived with a less-than-enthusiastic demeanor, but his tutors, Doris Wu, and Jan Ghirardelli, remained steadfast in their support and encouragement.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
A Breakthrough Moment That Changed Everything
In spring 2024, Jacob had a breakthrough. Jacob shifted his outlook, motivated by seeing his peers advance and the gentle guidance of his teacher and tutors. Doris recalls, “Jacob would sometimes resist, but as the year progressed, he realized he could succeed if he worked hard. At the end of the year, he surprised us by reflecting on how changing his attitude helped him advance. That moment made all the effort worthwhile.” Jacob’s response was heartfelt when asked what he learned: “By changing my attitude, I was able to move to purple.” This self-reflection amazed his tutors, who celebrated his academic and personal growth.
“…As the year progressed, Jacob realized he could succeed if he worked hard.”
Jan shared, “Seeing Jacob hug us at the end-of-year celebration was incredible. It showed us how much progress he had made, trusting and believing in himself, not just in reading.” Jacob is now working at the blue level in January 2025, the highest in the program. While he may not fully grasp that completing this level places him on track for grade-level reading, his tutors continue to encourage him. Doris noted, “Finishing this (blue) level is a significant milestone. It’s an achievement that reflects how far he’s come since starting the program.”
More Than Just Better Grades
This transformation wasn’t just about moving to the next reading level. It was about Jacob realizing his potential and gaining confidence—an outcome made possible by the dedication of his tutors and the support of donors like you.
Your generosity fuels these moments of triumph. Together, we can continue to inspire children like Jacob to overcome challenges and embrace their future with hope. Thank you for making a difference.
When you make monthly gifts, you give children a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life.
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* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names as needed to protect student privacy.