We’ve all heard the saying before. We refer to our best friends’ families, our church congregations, fraternities and sororities, and even our campus communities as our families. So to me, one of Horton’s Kids’ mantras, “like a second family..”, may be more accurate if it were described as a fifth or sixth family.

I have an incredibly loving, supportive, and close biological family at home. I would not be who or where I am today if it were not for my mom, dad, and three brothers.

I have an inclusive church family, as well. They not only have taught me countless lessons through the years but continue to send encouragement and hope.

I go to (in my slightly biased opinion) the greatest school possible, and am surrounded by friends and professors that continually motivate and push me to grow.

I am a very proud member of a phenomenal group of women. The Alpha Lambda Chapter of Chi Omega has undoubtedly shaped me into the woman I am becoming and has provided me with sisters to be there every step of the way.

I’ve spent the past two months living in an apartment with three of the greatest people I have ever met. They lended a listening ear, genuine excitement, and never ending love day in and day out.

Last, but not least, I’ve spent the past two months working in a community center, located inside of a housing project in DC’s Ward 8. Through that time I was blessed with the friendship and company of youth- from ages 4 to 17. I would not be who or where I am today if it were not for them. They not only have taught me countless lessons, but sent me off with encouragement. They continually motivated and pushed me to grow. They shaped me into the woman I am becoming. They lended a listening ear, genuine excitement, and never ending love- day in, and day out.

I am all too clearly aware that to these children, Horton’s Kids is truly a second, not a fourth or fifth family and source of love and support. And for many, it is a first. Looking back on each individual, group, and family that has helped me grow into a passionate, hard-working young woman, I quickly become aware I would not have been able to become so on my own. I’m sure most of you can look back on your life and say the same.

Unfortunately, not all children and young adults are fortunate enough to have several or even one solid support system. However, I am proud to say, with complete confidence, that every child in Wellington Park has at least one family that is there to motivate, love, and encourage them in Horton’s Kids. I am proud to say I am a part of that family.

Now, I’ve never been good at leaving. Summer camp in 7th grade, high school graduation, freshmen year move-out day… they all left me longing for just a little more time with whichever family I had become most recently attached to. This, however, is by far the hardest “see you later” I’ve yet to encounter.

Finishing my time at Horton’s Kids is leaving me a very strange combination of empty and full to the brim. I know that my efforts were appreciated. I received letters, crafts, going away cards and thank-you’s that showed genuine appreciation. One of my high school students came into the center this week immediately after finishing an interview at Chipotle.

“Anna, Anna, guess what?” Jermekkio began while walking through the door in a plain t-shirt and khaki pants, button-up shirt in hand. “I just left my interview, and they asked me the same questions we went over in the lesson yesterday! The exact same ones… I’m so glad I knew how to answer them. I also tucked my shirt in, took notes, and remembered to keep my eye contact!”

I’ve never felt more full.

At the same time, leaving hurts. These kids are the ones I’ve spent the majority of my summer with. I’ve grown to love them. I feel so called and drawn to the youth of this community that leaving feels wrong. Doing anything but this every single day doesn’t sit quite right with me.

Another one of my high school students wrote me a letter beginning,

“Dear Anna, Why do you have to leave so soon? You could’ve stayed a little longer..”

And while I wish more than anything I could stay a little longer, I am confident in my calling and know I will be back soon.

So, with half of my very full heart still with the kids in Anacostia and half on my sleeve, I’m headed back to finish my education at Valparaiso University. I feel very deeply blessed by my experience this summer and am filled with hope and excitement for the future.

15 year old Jerrod

15 year old Nyasia showing off her 4.0 GPA

13 year old Emani before going to Camp Kiniya

4 year old Isiah at the Horton’s Kids ice cream party