Giving Back
“My name is Ashiyah, I’m 16 years old, and this is my first summer as a Summer Works Intern. I’ve been wanting to do the Summer Works program for a while, and I’m finally able to! I chose to spend my summer working at Family Scholar House. There are many reasons why I chose the Family Scholar House, but the biggest reason is that this used to be my home.
In 2005, my mom and I were one of the first people to move into the very first Family Scholar House campus, the Louisville Scholar House. My family was going through a hard time, and FSH welcomed us with open arms. I remember when I was younger I went to the ELC (Early Learning Center), which is the daycare that is on campus and available to all of the LSH residents. My best friends and I used to have so much fun going to school and learning so close to our homes. We had school plays, nap time, and they even brought baby chicks into class one day. I really enjoyed going to kindergarten with my same friends from the ELC and we had a blast!
I grew up at Family Scholar house. My mom worked here while also living here, so I was always at the FSH events and hanging out with the staff. I’ve spent a lot of time here, so now coming back as a Summer Works intern brings so much fulfillment as well as many happy memories from when I was a little girl.
The CEO, Cathe Dykstra, did a lot for me when I was younger. I once went to see the nutcracker and after I saw it, all I would ever talk about is how I wanted to do ballet. So, she helped me pursue ballet. She still has a picture of me sitting on her desk from when I was 6, in a pink tutu and pointed shoes. Family Scholar House is very family oriented. They are always here for you no matter what. If you don’t have a supportive family or supportive friends, they can be the healthy friends and family you need.
Most importantly, I love the mission of Family Scholar House. The program really does help families become successful. They have Academic coaches to help you with school, they connect you to community resources, give you access to business clothing, the list goes on and on. They’ll help not only you, but also your children. Family Scholar House is the family to many who don’t have a lot of support from their own family.
I am really looking forward to being a Summer Works Intern. I get to come back to the place I used to call home and make new memories, while also giving back to the organization that gave me so much. Being able to contribute to helping families, the same way someone helped mine, is so fulfilling. I can’t wait to learn, grow, and give back to my community!”