Meet Egypt
Egypt, a bright and energetic 2nd grader at the St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS), has spent the past two years in our Beyond School program growing, learning and finding a place where her dreams can flourish- both big and small. When asked about her dreams for the future, Egypt quickly and emphatically answered “a pilot,” her face lighting up while explaining that it would cool to be in the air and control the plane.
Through Beyond School’s academic support and enrichment activities, Egypt has grown both socially and creatively. Her Success Coach Ashlee Williams recalls when Egypt first joined the program she was doing well academically, but like every student, she had her challenges. Early on, it was rhyming letters that needed extra attention and now it’s mastering three-digit numbers.
“Beyond School gives her the time and space to practice and that extra help always makes a difference,” Ashlee said.
Outside of academic support within the Beyond School program, Egypt has been able to tap into her creativity and thrive in the program’s variety of enrichments activities. From playing volleyball and basketball, to being crafty with cardmaking, to playing board games and watching movies, Egypt is continuously finding ways to explore her interests. Egypt describes painting as one of her favorite activities to do in Beyond School. At a recent Family Night event, her artwork was showcased and she has even won student awards in the past for her hard work.
“It’s a space where she can truly be herself,” Ashlee said. Whether she’s playing sports or creating art, Egypt is always engaged and excited.
Egypt has also grown in confidence since joining Beyond School. Ashlee recalls a recent ice-skating field trip where Egypt overcame her fear of falling. At first, Egypt clung close to Ashlee’s side on the ice, but after a shared fall that left them both laughing, Egypt skated on her own, weaving through others like a pro and did not need to be by Ashlee’s side anymore.
“It just seemed like she accomplished that fear of having some big fall or embarrassment,” Ashlee said. “Not falling alone helped her to just skate on her own with her friends and I was really proud of her then.”
This sense of resilience and independence is something Egypt carries with her and is an integral part of the Beyond School program. This program has provided her with a supportive environment where she feels comfortable expressing herself, whether it’s talking about her favorite movie or working through a challenging moment.
Ashlee explains that offering Egypt this space to express herself is crucial for supporting her during times of difficulty.
“I want to be there to listen, and we make sure she knows this is a space where she can share anything,” Ashlee said.
Egypt’s kindness and respectful nature has set her apart, making her someone that others admire. “She is a role model to her peers and a lot of times she’s a go-to for community service,” Ashlee shared. “She’s an amazing girl and very respectful.”