A Life Changing Experience
Posted on by Zoe Hewitt, Horizons Volunteer
The summer before my freshman year of high school, I was invited to volunteer at Horizons at Carolina Day School. I initially signed up for three weeks, but after just one day I knew I wanted to stay for the full six. I’m so glad I did—because Horizons has truly changed my life.
For as long as I can remember, I thought I would become a veterinarian. But everything shifted the moment I saw Maria’s face light up after solving a tough math problem, or when Thomas proudly read his very first chapter book. That’s when I knew I was meant to be a teacher. I started working with these students when they were seven years old, and every summer since then, I’ve set aside my time to be with them. Now, at eleven, I’ve watched them grow into confident, capable learners.
In 2024, I applied for and received the Call for Kindness Fellowship, funded by the Riley’s Way Foundation. Out of that opportunity, I launched the Kennel Kindness Project (KKP). Through KKP, Horizons students—and now students nationwide—create dog treats, blankets, toys, and adoption kits for local animal shelters. In just two summers, Horizons students have crafted more than 1,500 toys, 800 treats, 180 blankets, and 200 adoption kits, all donated to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
This past summer was bittersweet—it was my last one with the group of students I started with. I cheered as Ariah passed her swim test, celebrated when Casey lost yet another tooth, and smiled watching Devontae enthusiastically make more KKP toys. While I’ll miss this group dearly, I’m excited to meet and mentor a new group of Horizons students in the summers to come.
Now a high school senior, I find myself reflecting on my journey. Out of all the experiences I’ve had, Horizons stands out as the one that shaped me most. It’s because of Horizons that I am heading to college to major in Elementary Education. And more than anything, I am proud to call myself a Horizons volunteer, grateful to have witnessed just how far our students have come over the past four years.
Editor’s Note: children’s names have been changed to safeguard their identity.