A Mission Moment from Children's Community School

WATERBURY, CT - Director Jeff Martin shares a mission moment as the year comes to a close.

After a difficult, cooped up year, a class of middle school students needed a change of scenery and a different rhythm to the day to make a strong finish to the year. The primary goal: hike the trail to Castle Craig in Meriden.

Admittedly, the sentiments of our students were mixed when we set off on the trail. More than a couple couldn’t imagine how they’d make it through the day without their cell phones, whereas others were happy to be outdoors on a sunny day. One student in particular didn’t think she had the ability to succeed in the hike. While many in the group bounded ahead on their way up the mountain, this particular student took a slow pace, making multiple stops to proclaim, “I can’t do this,” “This is stupid,” and even, “Mr. Jeff, can you call me an Uber?” With support and encouragement, however, she kept going. At one point along the way, she stopped and looked at the view over the park and said, “That’s actually really pretty.”

As we continued, there was a change in terrain. The wide and generally clear dirt path became rocky, narrow, and steep. This was not the only change though; the girl who was once saying, “I can’t do this” was now saying, “I want to keep going.” When she reached the castle, the smile on her face beamed with tremendous pride. She received cheers from the adults and congratulations from her classmates. She rejoined her peers to marvel at the incredible vista and to celebrate their accomplishment.

In this day, we saw one of our students learn and grow right before our eyes as she experienced the breathtaking landscape and the satisfaction and pride of accomplishing something she thought impossible. Our mission came to life in that moment.