Newsletter: October 2025

Students in Open Circle are rediscovering hope, finding meaning in the smallest of moments, and realizing that even seemingly simple acts of kindness ripple outward in powerful ways. In a world where young people are often discouraged by problems that feel too vast for them to change, the hope and empowerment they experience is making a big difference!

In this newsletter, we asked two graduating students to reflect on how they’ve grown through Student Open Circles. Emma shares how learning from diverse perspectives has re-enchanted her view of the world, teaching her empathy through everyday connections. Brooj reflects on how her desire to “do big things” is coming alive through small, steady acts of service that create lasting impact. Their stories remind us that change doesn’t begin with sweeping gestures — it begins with choosing to listen, to care, and to act, right where we are.

Thank you for supporting Student Open Circles to create empowering spaces for young people, where small sparks grow into a warm fire of hope, community, and compassion.

With gratitude,
Jeff and Marybeth

"The world is full of miracles, but none greater than how far a young person can be carried by someone else’s belief in them." – Fredrik Backman