With Thanksgiving approaching, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for being part of the Learn To Be community. It has been a privilege to volunteer alongside you and to support the students in your program. Your website is professionally designed, intuitive, and easy to navigate, and your students are consistently motivated and engaged. For me, Learn To Be has been the perfect match, offering purpose and structure as I navigate the long and lonely days of retirement.

My journey to find LTB was not a straight path. I have volunteered with another organization, UPchieve, whose platform is also professional and well designed. However, I eventually realized it was not the right fit for me, as it is primarily geared toward college students seeking volunteer hours for their résumés. I felt out of place among that demographic.

I also explored volunteering with community colleges that offer prison education programs. But these required in-person teaching, which is not possible for me due to my mobility impairment. Other online organizations such as DFW's IntelliChoice, Dallas ISD's CHOICE Program, Vera Court Center, and Future Link, never responded to my applications despite my completing background checks at my own expense.

All of this makes me even more appreciative of Learn To Be. Thank you for the work you do for our next generation and for creating a space where seniors like me find purpose. This Thanksgiving, I am truly grateful to be part of your team.