Hello! My name is La’miyah Harvey, and I’m a 9-year-old fourth grader at Palm Terrace Elementary School. This is my first year attending the Lemerand Center of Excellence after-school tutoring program. Attending LCE has transformed my life, particularly in boosting my self-esteem and confidence in asking questions.
At LCE, I’ve discovered an environment where I can truly thrive. The teachers are incredible — they make learning enjoyable and engaging! They recognize that everyone has unique learning styles and take the time to help us explore our interests. Because of this supportive atmosphere, I’ve grown more comfortable with subjects that once seemed challenging. I’ve learned that asking questions is not only acceptable but encouraged. This shift has made a significant impact on me; I used to be shy about raising my hand, but now I feel empowered to speak up and seek help when I need it.
Palm Terrace Elementary School has also been instrumental in my growth. I’ve made wonderful friends who support me and share my interests. Our teachers foster a welcoming environment where we can express our ideas without fear of judgment. This sense of belonging has helped me realize that my voice matters, and I’ve become more confident in sharing my thoughts.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned the value of resilience. When I encounter challenges, I now view them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This change in perspective has been incredible, and I feel ready to tackle anything that comes my way!
I’m excited about the future and all the possibilities ahead of me. I look forward to continuing my journey in such supportive environments, which have shown me that with encouragement and the right mindset, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
The Christmas holidays are especially important to my family and me. We cherish the time we spend together, especially with my mom and brother. My mom works incredibly hard to provide for us, and despite the challenges we’ve faced this year, she remains positive and resilient. This Christmas, I would love for my brother to receive a scooter, a toy car and some Legos. For my mom, I hope she receives some gift cards and some items from Bath & Body Works. As for myself, I would like a nail set and gift cards to shop for new clothes.