Summer Programs for Teens
May 18, 2025
When students are given time, support, and the right tools, their confidence grows—and so does their sense of possibility.
As you celebrate the progress of your own children or students, we invite you to read one student’s story of transformation. From early struggles to a love of literature, her journey shows what’s possible with time, support, and the right environment.
Hello, I am Claudia. Let me explain my learning journey.
"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." ~Leo Tolstoy
For me this quote explains my learning journey.
When I was in the second grade, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia. At that time, I didn't understand what that meant. However, when people found out, I felt as if I was looked down on by my peers and teachers like an outcast. I would have to leave the room for a spelling test because I didn't understand how to spell the words that they were learning at that time. The next year, my old school told my mom that they couldn't teach me or I would be held back a year.
My mom looked for other schools.
When my mom found Springer School and Center she was excited for me to be able to learn correctly. When I first started Springer, I was excited to be in a new environment. I met new people that had similar struggles, like me. It was nice to interact with others with the same learning disability. One of the best things that Springer provided was Just Words. Just Words is a quick learning program that focuses on spelling, which I needed, since I struggled with spelling rather than reading. With the resources and help from my teachers, I was able to find the joy of reading and writing.
When I was little I used to dread the time where I had to read. I would make excuses to get out of doing it because I didn't want to read. I felt like I was slow and that I couldn't understand all of the words, yet I still had to read. My love of reading started by my dad forcing me to read classics like The Great Gatsby. At first it was a little challenging to read, but I reread it again until I understood what I was reading because practice equals success. I fell in love with the formation of the words that were turned into long sentences. In the end, I started exploring different types of literature from Philosophy to Russian classics. I believe this passion will continue to drive me to succeed.
My journey of learning has led me to the love of reading and writing. With the help and guidance of my teachers, as well the programs that are provided by Springer, I was able to be one of the few in my program to be in an honors class. Next year, I will be in honors English, with new books which I am excited to conquer.
Thank you to Claudia for sharing her 8th grade commencement speech so that we could share it with you.
As this school year comes to a close, we celebrate the growth, resilience, and accomplishments of students everywhere. Whether the path was smooth or filled with challenges, each step forward is something to be proud of. Congratulations to all students—and to the educators and families who supported them—for a year well done!
