Leading with Compassion

Terrion rock climbing at ARF’s summer camp

One chilly afternoon, as 5th grade student Terrion was leaving Pecan Springs Elementary School with his mother, Trasell, and on his way home he noticed a man sitting outside.

Time after time, he saw this person and, gradually, he became a regular presence in their lives. They would exchange hellos and were genuinely happy to see each other. Then, one day, Terrion, inspired by the stories of resilience and hope he had learned in the Andy Roddick Foundation (ARF) programs, remembered a care package he created during ARF’s summer program and gave it to the man.

Terrion’s newfound sense of compassion through this act of kindness had a profound impact, not only on this man but also on Foundation staff. This was also a big deal for Trasell, Terrion’s mother, who feels that “ARF’s program is exposing him to things that she, as a single mother, wouldn’t have time to do.”

Children learn through experiences, including social interactions, and by reflecting on those experiences to make meaning of them. They create values and mindsets at an early age. Terrion embodies the values and principles we aim to instill in our youth.

The Andy Roddick Foundation focuses on the whole child development. Program goals are not only to provide a fun and memorable experiences but also focus on those skills and factors that help predict future success for elementary-age children. ARF works with parents and partners from across our community to build the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.