Written by: Robyn Shulman

To the Boy Who Is Going Places

I attended Holiday for Hope yesterday, a heartwarming celebration marking the 25th anniversary of Dreams for Kids. The room was full—over 1,300 children and families gathered together. People of all ages and backgrounds came to share in a day of joy, support, and community. The atmosphere was alive with laughter, conversation, and moments that felt profoundly meaningful.

During the event I had the privilege of meeting many inspiring people, including Clara from Clara’s House, whose kindness and quiet strength left a strong impression on me. I spent time holding small hands, helping children choose books, and watching hundreds of boys and girls play basketball with Dave Corzine. Being there, surrounded by so many bright and hopeful faces, I felt deeply moved by the energy in the room. The children’s smiles and curiosity made the future seem full of promise.

One boy sat with my family during lunch. We only shared a short time together, but his presence stayed with me long after the day ended. He described his favorite meal in vivid detail, laughed with my daughter at the surprise that she was a bit older than he thought, and listened intently when I mentioned my nephew who shares his name. He told us he wants to be an engineer. He was polite, funny, thoughtful and curious. Those fifteen minutes showed me a young person with drive, warmth, and real potential.

If you are the boy who sat with us that day, and you happen to read this, please know how much you impressed me. My brief time with you reminded me why I became a teacher and why attending events like Holiday for Hope matters. I want to share with you the thoughts I didn’t get a chance to speak aloud before we were swept back into the crowd.

First, keep smiling. Your smile brightened the table and made our lunch feel special. Second, keep going. Goals are reached step by step—stay curious and persistent. Share that warm personality of yours because people remember how you make them feel. Do your best in school; education will open doors and give you tools to shape the future you imagine. Never give up when things get hard; setbacks are temporary and often teach important lessons. Always believe in yourself and encourage others to believe in themselves too.

• Keep smiling.
• Keep going.
• Share your kindness and humor.
• Work hard in school—your effort will pay off.
• Never give up; persistence builds success.
• Believe in yourself and help others believe as well.

You have a special gift—whether it’s curiosity, empathy, leadership, or an ability to make others laugh—and you can use that gift to go far. Cherish your talents and use them to help others as you grow. In my experience as a teacher, children who bring kindness, curiosity, and determination into the world become the adults who change it for the better. I believe you are one of those children.

If this message finds you, consider connecting with Dreams for Kids to learn more about opportunities to get involved and to discover how to become an official Dream Leader. Organizations like Dreams for Kids exist to empower young people, connect volunteers and mentors, and create lasting opportunities for growth and leadership. Being part of that community can help you develop your interests, expand your horizons, and inspire others along the way.

To everyone who attended Holiday for Hope: thank you for sharing your stories, your laughter, and your resilience. Events like this remind us that community support and simple acts of kindness can have a powerful impact on a child’s life. To the boy who is going places—keep dreaming big. Your potential is real, and the world needs what you have to offer.