The Words They Remember: WINGS Makes Its Mark

There's a question we ask ourselves a lot at WINGS: Does this work actually stick?

We see the wins in real-time—a child who learns to manage their anger, a group that figures out how to work together, a student who finds their voice. We see it in our staff too—young professionals who join us as program coordinators and mentors, learning to lead with empathy, navigate challenging moments, and build authentic relationships with kids. But what happens when they leave our afterschool program? Do they remember any of it? Does it shape who they become?

Over the years, we've collected stories from former WINGS students and staff—some now starting their careers and many who've gone on to become educators, leaders, and changemakers in their own right. We've reflected on these stories, returning to them when the work feels hard, when we question our impact, when we need to remember why we do this. 

These voices—of the kids we served and the young professionals who grew alongside them—continue to inspire and power our work. They remind us that transformation is real, that it lasts, and that it ripples far beyond the afterschool hours.

Their stories have surprised us, moved us, and reminded us why this work matters.

"Several years ago, I became attached—dedicated, really—to the WINGS curriculum with the simple intention of making sure EVERY student I worked with was equipped with the social and emotional skills I unfortunately did not receive.

What happened next? I felt an immediate connection with my students. Because of what WINGS taught me, I could be an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. I was able to create a space where my kids felt comfortable and liberated—more feelings I never experienced as a child.

A transformation began in me, too. WINGS has made me more expressive, confident, and optimistic about myself and my future. Growing up, I struggled with finding my place in the world and my purpose. It is because of WINGS that I have learned how to navigate surprises rather than getting wrapped up in them; I see challenges as opportunities to grow and adapt. I am forever grateful for helping me become my best self."

What stuck: Personal transformation. The ability to give kids what you didn't have. Learning to navigate challenges with resilience.

"Working at WINGS was hands down one of the most intentional experiences of my early career!

What stuck with me most was that these weren't just afterschool improvements. These students were learning to hold themselves accountable both inside and outside the classroom, creating new opportunities for their futures. That's the power of SEL… awareness WITH action!

At WINGS, I worked with predominantly 5th graders at a partnered Title 1 school, some of whom would get into serious altercations with other students or staff every single day. Within weeks of joining the program, I watched these same students transform their demeanor and behavior in positive action.

Now personally, WINGS set the tone for how I navigate youth development and advocate for SEL today. This experience also transformed my awareness and capacity for emotional intelligence, especially as I've navigated new dynamics and professional spaces. WINGS helped me develop the integrity needed to be an effective changemaker.

The fact that students and staff still reach out even after I've left the program speaks volumes about the lasting impacts of the program on both staff and students. Thank you, WINGS, for all that you continue to do for students, staff, and the community. The impact is real from all areas."

What stuck: Witnessing real transformation. The power of combining awareness with action. A framework for leadership and advocacy.

"The fun, the caring mentors, the bonds that feel unbreakable, the lessons on how to be your best self and deal with life's blows—you will carry with you forever as an adult.

Early on I felt something special, but couldn't name it. As I moved through Burke High School and then on to Morris College, I began to take stock of the relationships in my life, the people I chose to surround myself with. Then it hit me: relationships matter; genuine bonds cannot be broken. And this all comes back to WINGS—what I learned and experienced from K-5th grade.

I am proud that I was able to buy myself a home, and most recently purchase my mom a townhome. I own a barbershop in North Charleston and it's here that I see the community I've built come to life—my WINGS peers, high school friends, college friends, firefighter colleagues all SHOW UP and SUPPORT ME. But I didn't build this alone. I had the foundation of WINGS. And the positive relationships and friendships that pushed me to be better, do better."

What stuck: The power of genuine relationships. How to build community. The foundation to create success and give back.

"Wings for Kids [then Wings for Girls] was amazing. I can honestly say that I still remember what it felt like to be talked to that way, like my feelings mattered, because it's not something that I was getting in school.

A lot of times now with SEL, we hear adults saying, 'I wish I had this when I was a kid,' and I can say, I actually did. I was a WINGS kid when I was 7. I knew it was different, but I didn't know why. It's unlike any other educational experience that I ever had—to have someone talk to me that way. We can't put ourselves in a cage, we have to show ourselves, show our strengths, and have self-esteem. I wasn't getting that in school.

The way WINGS built the culture, through community celebrations, community events, it was unique. Those things were new. I wasn't getting that in my school. It was unique to Wings."

What stuck: Being seen and heard. Having feelings validated. A model for how to build culture that she now uses as an educational leader.

Here's what we've heard, over and over, from these young people—whether they came to WINGS as students or as staff:

They don't always remember the activities. They don't always remember the exact lessons. But they remember how they felt. They remember the adults who saw them. They remember the words that became part of their vocabulary. They remember the moment they realized they could choose differently, be different, and grow.

And they're still using what they learned—in classrooms, in jobs, in relationships, in moments of stress or conflict or doubt. Former students are buying homes and building businesses. Former staff are leading schools and advocating for SEL nationwide. The ripple effects keep expanding.

Does the work stick?

Yes. Not always in the ways we expect, but yes.

And that's why we keep showing up. Because years from now, the kids and young professionals in our program today will carry something forward—a word, a memory, a skill, a belief in themselves. And that matters more than we can measure.