December 02, 2025
Serenity Finds Her Voice
How Reading and Mentorship Helped her Gain Confidence
When Serenity first joined Friends of the Children — New York, she was shy and resistant to anything unfamiliar, especially reading. She didn’t like books and pushed back whenever reading came up. At the same time, she didn’t like to be challenged in general; new places and new routines all felt overwhelming. But even then, her Friend, Josiely, saw determination beneath the hesitation. Serenity was someone who could push through discomfort if she felt supported.
In the beginning, Serenity avoided reading altogether. Her mentor had to be intentional, finding ways to make books feel approachable. Slow, consistent exposure through trips to Barnes & Noble and reading together at Starbucks made books a regular part of their outings and helped shift reading from something intimidating into something she could explore at her own pace. Over time, these small moments became the foundation for something bigger.
The transformation was unmistakable. Serenity went from not wanting to read to carrying books in her backpack every day. She even asked for a book for her birthday, which was a milestone her mentor knew meant everything. She started reading aloud to her mentor and to younger Achievers. At Friends of the Children — New York events, she was even asked to lead reading groups. Each of these moments strengthened not just her literacy, but her confidence.
Her progress changed how she saw herself academically. One day, on the way to the clubhouse, Serenity brought up her IEP, remembering how she once struggled and felt behind. Then she shared with pride that she was now at the top of her class. She understood that her perseverance mattered, and the improvement she had worked so hard for was something she had earned.
As her reading skills grew, her willingness to try new things grew with them. She began exploring different parts of the city, making new friends, and even helping younger Achievers read menus at restaurants. Literacy became a source of empowerment which gave her the tools to navigate challenges and participate confidently in school.
When she encounters difficult texts now, Serenity asks for help instead of shutting down which is another sign of how much she has matured. And when she succeeds, she celebrates her progress with genuine excitement, sharing her achievements with her Friend.
Josiely attributes this growth to pushing Serenity gently but consistently and encouraging her to try, even when she insisted she didn’t want to. Serenity now jokes that she was “forced” to read, but she acknowledges that those pushes opened doors for her both academically and personally. She has learned not only to read at higher levels but to embrace learning as a way to understand herself and the world.
Today, Serenity is a leader among her peers. She speaks up for herself and approaches challenges with resilience. Reading gave her confidence. Literacy gave her voice. And mentorship helped her believe that she could grow into someone strong and willing to stand out rather than blend in.
Serenity’s story shows exactly #WhyLiteracyMatters. When a young person is given the support and consistency they need to build their skills, it doesn’t just improve their grades — it transforms their entire sense of what’s possible.
You can support Achievers just like Serenity by giving today.