OUR COMMUNITY LANGSTON BEALUM EYE TO EYE SETS UP THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS Since he could remember, Langston Bealum always had trouble writing. He often heard, ‘You just aren’t trying hard enough.’ He started to believe it. “If when I was young, I met someone who had an LD and was successful in school that would have changed my life. I want to be that person for younger people.” It wasn’t until sixth grade, through the keen observations of a good friend with the same struggles, that Langston was identified as a different learner with dysgraphia. Although he could finally put a name to his challenges, the label felt foreign and alienating. He found motivation through the continual support of his mother. “No matter the subject, or how ungrateful or annoying I was, she was always there,” he shared. Six years later, Langston’s teacher told him about a new program coming to the school to help mentor kids struggling with learning and attention issues. Remembering how isolated he felt at twelve—when he knew only one other student with learning differences—he jumped at the opportunity to become a part of the Eye to Eye community. This year, during the Young Leaders Organizing Institute, Langston was honored with the Jess Ettenger Award for his exceptional enthusiasm, compassion, and spirit.
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