It was Day 17 of New Horizons Summer Academy when we noticed an unusual spike in requests for Band-Aids. Concerned, we investigated—only to discover that students weren’t injured in the traditional sense. Instead, they were experiencing sore fingers and even a callus or two… from writing.
Instantly, we were transported back to our school days, where handwritten essays and long journal entries left their mark—literally—on our hands. It became a shared moment of camaraderie and a core memory in the making.
When we asked one student if this would stop them from finishing their writing assignment, their response was full of grit:
“Are you kidding me? I don’t give up on the football field over a callus, and I’m not giving up here either. Band-Aid and eyes on the prize.”
We couldn’t be prouder of the resilience our students show—not only in academics but also in life. Though the obstacles of housing insecurity remain, we’re grateful to provide a little self-care and encouragement to help them keep moving toward their goals. After all, every step—on the field or in the
classroom—brings them closer to the end zone.
