December 15, 2020 - Daytona Beach News-Journal USA TODAY NETWORK
ABOUT THIS SERIES: Founded in 2007, Food Brings Hope provides after-school programs in 27 schools in Volusia County and two in Flagler County. The programs provide at-risk students opportunities to improve grades, have fun, and receive nourishing food. Throughout the holidays, The News-Journal is highlighting the program by publishing the stories of some of its young participants. For more information, visit foodbringshope.org.
My name is Essence Culver and I'm in the fourth grade at Westside Elementary. I went to school here in kindergarten, but then moved away to Georgia. I came back this year and now I'm in FBHonors. When I got back to Westside, I was very shy and didn't talk to many people. Being in FBHonors helped me to socialize and make friends. Food Brings Hope helps a lot of people by giving them hope and by giving families food because it helps you to learn if you're not hungry.
Math is my favorite subject, and I like it because you are taught many different strategies to use, but you can also use your own strategies to get the right answer. Math will also help me when I become a doctor. Helping people is something I enjoy doing and one of the reasons I want to become a doctor.
I have five siblings — three brothers and two sisters — and we all live with my mom. For Christmas, I would like to get a new pair of sneakers, but it does not matter what color or kind they are, just so they are a size 3. It would be nice if I could give my teacher an appreciation cup and a thank-you card and thank-you cards for all my friends!
