When Ellison first joined the I’m GREAT program at the Wake Forest Boys and Girls Club in North Carolina, she was navigating one of the hardest times of her young life. As a middle school student grieving the loss of her father, she entered the program quietly, unsure of what she needed but aware that she needed support. Through the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s I’m GREAT curriculum, she found it.

The program’s lessons on self-esteem, respect, and leadership created a steady rhythm during an unsteady time. Mentors made space for reflection and honest conversation, reinforcing that Ellison was seen, valued, and capable. One self-esteem activity left a lasting imprint. Participants traced one another and filled each outline with affirming words. As Ellison read the encouragement written by her peers, she began to understand that confidence can be rebuilt and that differences are not flaws but strengths.

The Ripken Foundation’s emphasis on leadership, defined as what you do when no one is watching, gave her a framework for moving forward. It shaped how she responded to challenges and how she treated others. Over time, grief gave way to purpose.

Determined to give back, Ellison returned during her junior and senior years of high school to help facilitate I’m GREAT alongside Club Director Ashley. She guided younger girls through the same lessons that once steadied her, offering empathy rooted in lived experience.