🎶The Girl Who Came Out of Her Shell (photo left)

At first when I met her, she was so shy she barely spoke. Then we reached the Music Therapy section of our class and something remarkable happened ~ she stood up and started dancing! I could hardly believe it ~ this quiet girl who had been sitting in the background was now moving with such joyful abandon and confidence. It was a powerful reminder of how the right tools and environment can unlock what's extraordinary in a child.

 

🎵 The Boy Who Found His Smile (lower left photo, before I came over, he's tucked behind those sitting)

While he's usually really outgoing, today he put his head down and withdrew. It was clear something was wrong. One by one the others went over and one girl asked, “Did I say something that upset you? If so, I'm sorry about that." A few people came over and left. Then I walked over and squatted down and asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” He quietly said, "I don't know."

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Then, something unusual happened. Inspired by our Music Therapy section, one of the girls started beatboxing. Then I said, “You know, one of the things I love about you is how you have all these interesting sound effects that you like to do. I love it when you hiss like a cat.” His head perked up and he smiled, while the others joined in, "I like when you..." Then he started making his sound effects. Now everyone was joining in—clapping and tapping—for our impromptu song as laughter filled the room! It was a beautiful testament to the power of community and how, in today’s world, we can find ways to lift each other up, in ways that I never saw when I was younger. It was heart-warming.