Brave Moments

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Brave Moments

  • January 21, 2026
  • Posted by: Rebecca Lichtenberg
  • Category: Wow Story
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~written by Kara Struhall, LSEM teacher at Let it Shine Enrichment Academy in Austin, TX~

When this student first joined our class over a year ago, they brought with them a sparkle in their eyes and a spirit that was impossible to miss. At our school, many children face developmental challenges that can make everyday activities—like climbing, running, or playing with peers—feel overwhelming. Because of this, students often stay in classrooms for multiple years, growing not only in skills but also in confidence and resilience. 

Now 4 years and 5 months old, this particular student is an outgoing, bright-eyed child who has made incredible progress in so many areas. But one place they struggled deeply was the playground. While their classmates zipped across the yard, climbed structures with ease, and raced to the slides, this student often trailed a bit behind. Their determination was always there, but their body couldn’t always keep up. 

Day by day, though, they kept trying. With encouragement, support, and their own unstoppable spirit, they built strength and confidence. 

Then one afternoon, something extraordinary happened: the student climbed the play structure completely on their own. And instead of rushing back down, they sat right smack dab on the very top, looking out at the world with the biggest, happiest smile I have ever seen on their face. 

What makes that moment even more unforgettable is that I was sitting just a few feet away when it happened. It had been a long, exhausting week—one of those heavy stretches where both work and life had felt overwhelming. But in that quiet, sunlit moment, watching that student beam from the top of that structure, my heart absolutely melted.

It brought everything into perspective. 

It was more than just a climb—it was a triumph. The student’s classmates cheered, I blinked back tears, and the student sat tall, knowing in that moment that they had done something hard, something new, something worth celebrating. 

That smile reminded me of why we do this work. Growth doesn’t always come in steady strides—it comes in brave moments, when a child discovers that yes, they can. That student didn’t just lift themselves up that day—they lifted my spirit, too.