This afternoon, we talked to all the fourth-grade students at Buckhorn Creek Elementary in North Carolina. It was such a great experience to hear from these young people.

Ms. Ellis let us know that the students were working on service projects. We learned about many great things these young people would like to do. From 3-D printed ribbons to raise awareness about cancer to goodie bags with stuffed animals and stickers for cancer patients at a center in Boston (those are made by Lakelynn, who goes to Boston once a month for her own treatments). Way to go, Lakelynn, you are incredible! We also learned about students aiming to help provide basic needs to those living in poverty and a group that is working to help Veterans who might not have homes or support when they return from service. These fourth graders are changing the world!

We had great questions from so many students! Emery, Alice, Stewart and Hunter, all the students in Ms. Ellis, Ms. Murphy, Ms. Bickelhaupt, Ms. Stewart, and Ms. Mitchell’s classrooms. Everyone was so engaged, and they really made this an enjoyable, thoughtful experience.

Braeden emphasized the importance of learning from failures and the value of initiating projects, even if they don’t always succeed. He commended the group for their efforts to improve their communities and encouraged them to continue. Braeden shared his experience on how to grow an idea into a big organization, emphasizing the importance of meeting like-minded individuals, utilizing social media, and securing funding through grants or donations. Then, I added how important it is to have supportive adults nurturing their ideas.

I have learned A LOT. Maybe the biggest lesson is that there is ALWAYS more to learn. Some things won’t work out the way you want them to and that’s not a failure, that’s not a fault, it’s a push to keep striving, it’s a way to grow and make progress. Sometimes those lessons are more important than immediate success. 

Braeden Mannering, Speaker, Buckhorn Creek Elementary

One student asked Braeden if he faced any challenges or if adults didn’t take him seriously when he was young. He responded by sharing that when he was still in elementary school, he didn’t really consider adults not taking him seriously. He said that he knew once he started talking that, they would listen. I’m so grateful that he felt that way. I realize that’s not something all young people experience, but we really should listen to the children around us because they are our future and their ideas are valid. He explained that his biggest challenge was knowing that he’d never be able to do it all, that it would never be enough, that his resources and time were limited, and he wouldn’t be able to help everyone.

We’re so grateful to have been invited to talk with this amazing group of students! We look forward to future collaborations and can’t wait to hear how your projects turn out!

Way to go, Buckhorn Creek Elementary in North Carolina, for encouraging your students to give back to their community! You are all rock stars!