“I don’t like middle schoolers,” James explained as he left his younger brother behind at 71Five City’s Kids Club. James, a high school sophomore who’s homeschooled, lives close to Station 71Five. It was his first time visiting. He didn’t even sit down for dinner. When I asked his brother about James’ decision to leave, he giggled saying that middle school traumatized him. A few days later I called out to James as he rode past on his skateboard. He hesitated to respond but eventually I was able to invite him to our Teen Night. He asked about middle schoolers. I told him there would be a few but that the total amount of teens would be a lot less than at Kids Club. He said he would think about it. A couple of weeks went by, then James came by with his brother. Spotting the foosball table, he challenged me to a match. Scoring one goal after another this timid kid turned into a smack talking foosball champion. He told me, “I should have warned you.” He’s returned at random times to defend his championship and has also become a regular at Teen Night where, believe it or not… he’s interacting with middle schoolers.

 

You gave James a place to grow in his experience and confidence. Thank you for sharing hope.