Meet Jaden and Protégé: Two Young Leaders from Root 2 Rise
Jaden Wilson and Protégé Delaney don't know each other. They live in different states, go to different schools, and have different stories. But ask them what Root 2 Rise means to them, and you'll hear the same thing: it gave them a place to lead and grow.
Here's what that looked like for each of them . . .
Jaden
Jaden Wilson, 20, was a Root 2 Rise Tutor-Mentor in high school. That's where he first discovered he was good at working with kids. It was that experience that opened the door to work as a Student Support Specialist at One City Schools after he graduated — and for the last two years the role further boosted his confidence, enriched his life, and gave him real work experience. Education may not be his lifelong career, but Root 2 Rise showed him what he was capable of, and those skills are coming with him.
“I know I’ve made a difference in the lives of these kids,” he said after working during both the school day and in an after school program. The “amazing” teachers he helped during Root 2 Rise convinced him that he wanted to help students.
“It was a straightforward decision for me. Students want me to be there and they’re happy to see me. It warms my heart,” he said.
“I remember someone telling me to ‘be the person you needed when you were young.’ I always try to be that person. I put a smile on [my students’] faces and I’m available if they need help.”
Joseph Thigpen Jr., Project Manager for Root 2 Rise who is now pursuing a degree in education, praises Wilson’s dedication and skills in classroom management, especially his ability to provide help while maintaining discipline.
“He is a leader and respected by students,” he said.
Wilson is considering a career as a mechanic, a decision which Thigpen said reflects Wilson’s increased confidence and willingness to change. Whatever his ultimate career choice, Thigpen said Wilson’s work with students “has been a win for everyone.”
Protégé
Protégé Delaney wanted “to get away from the drama” and to make sure he graduated.
He found that and more – much more. Reynolds Learning Academy, an alternative high school, offered a smaller, calmer setting and participating in Root 2 Rise “genuinely makes me happy to come to school every day”.
“I am definitely more patient. The kids listen to me, and I need to listen to them and think before I say things to them. I realize that feelings matter. “
He’s also become more outgoing. “I used to not talk much to people and after doing R2R I have met about 30 people because I am more comfortable making conversation,” he said
Delaney knows he makes a difference when he works with fourth graders helping Partner Teacher Liz Staver at Salish Ponds Elementary School.
Due to his encouragement, a student who seldom remained seated and refused to do her work now completes assignments and is “excited to finish and show me what she has done”.
“Most kids just need some motivation and attention to get them on track,” he said. Helping younger students “brightens my day,” he said, as does being greeted by the office staff every morning.
“The kids are almost always positive,” he said “This experience has changed my perspective about the world.”
