Growing up, I was mostly involved in church activities. My family attended church services every Sunday, Wednesday and some full weekends for revivals, and retreats. I also participated in Girls Talk, which was a specific activity for teen girls which was taught and led by a member of the church and was held at the church.

It was during this time in my life that I began to have an appreciation for education. I wanted and craved to be educated about lots of different things. Eventually I attended college and shortly afterward gave birth to my two kids.

As a single adult parent with two children, I knew that I wanted them to be involved in church functions, and in school and community functions as well. My sole purpose for joining Read By 3rd in 2015 was because of the testimonials about the program from other members. I never will forget the look on one mother’s face as she spoke about Read by 3rd with her teary-eyed gratitude. Children’s faces lit up like sunshine and blossomed like wild flowers as they told about the MSC OPAS excursion they attended. I knew in those moments I and my two kids had to be there in the mix.

Pierre was a fifth grader and Dyani a fourth grader in 2015 when we became distinguished members of Read by 3rd. We were diligent in attending monthly meetings because we were on a mission to be included in something that could benefit and enhance our lives. Waking up early on Saturday mornings is not easy when you’ve been working and attending school the entire week, but when its Read by 3rd its worth it because you know you’ll be fed intellectually as well as physically. That’s a perk. There is no doubt that my kids will graduate high school and become productive members of society. I have planted the seeds of success in them because of church involvement, and community-induced programs such as Read by 3rd.

Dyani wants to be a hair-stylist when she grows up. She practices on my hair, her doll’s hair, and her friends. I will support her in becoming the best hair stylist that she can become. Pierre wants to be a lawyer and already has completed the requirements to receive a partial scholarship from Texas A&M.

I have witnessed first-hand how the diversity of the program has enhanced my way of thinking and has allowed my children to see things differently as well. We attend monthly community functions in our neighborhood such as First Friday. We also have weekly read nights where we go to the public library, find our favorite books and take turns reading them to each other. I notice how my children’s confidence level is soaring. That confidence gives them the ability to try and try harder, which I believe is the key to accomplishing their individual and life goals.

This program has helped me also to notice how all of this starts with me — the mother. I sometimes have to step outside of my comfort zone and put us all out there to be involved, and to expect to learn and receive something in return. I am showing my kids first-hand how being involved can help build family cohesiveness and togetherness. I have made life long-friendships and connections, which will thrive long after my involvement in the program.

The core beliefs of the Read by 3rd program is to be able to step out of what you know into the unknown to function, accept and believe. What that means to me I can only describe as cool watermelon on a hot Texas summer day. It definitely has broadened my horizons and has afforded my kids interchangeable views on life. They know that they must set and achieve goals. They know there are people who can and will help them when they aspire to reach those goals through all adversity. And, most important, they know that they have a faithful parent who is willing to help them through each step along the way.

I aspire not only to have my children be more, understand more, and achieve more, but I would strongly encourage all kids and their families to just give Read by 3rd a try. You won’t be disappointed and you will gain more than you thought you knew. I know I have.

I truly encourage each of you to venture out and challenge your tolerance for your community. Thank you in advance.

For more information, please go to our website at www.readby3rd.org

For specific questions, call 979-822-6100 or email jazmin@hdzfirm.com.

Source: The Eagle