Vivacious Thriving Minds Student Is a Bundle of Sunshine

By Mario Tarradell, Public Relations & Marketing Manager

That vivacious smile and boundless energy belong to 5-year-old Asiyale Thomas. She’s in kindergarten at Highland Meadows Elementary School. She’s also a Big Thought Thriving Minds After School student, having spent the last month in the program.

Asiyale, a bright, friendly bundle of sunshine, couldn’t wait to answer questions about her time in Thriving Minds where she enjoys outside recess. The swings, the slides, that memorable togetherness with friends fuels her already perky personality. Plus, Asiyale never felt shy or timid when she walked into Thriving Minds.

“I wasn’t afraid,” she says. “I’m brave.”

Mom April Owens knows that the Thriving Minds environment elevates Asiyale’s desire to learn, play and share.

“Anytime she’s around other kids she is really outgoing and confident,” says Owens. “She likes to go home and try to read. She enjoys learning and being a student.”

Big Thought’s 2016-2017 Thriving Minds After School program is in nine DeSoto ISD campuses, four Dallas ISD campuses and three community centers. TMAS provides academic and recreational enrichment for children beyond the normal school day.

For Asiyale, it makes her so elated to try new things. “I’m good at math,” she exclaims. “I’m good at writing words. I can’t wait to go to the first grade.”

Big Thought’s Thriving Minds After School program thanks The Pollock Foundation; Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust; City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; Pizza Hut/YUM! Brands; The David M. Crowley Foundation; The Wallace Foundation; Target Corporation; Sid W. Richardson Foundation; Best Buy; AT&T Aspire Mentoring Academy; Sammons Corporation; Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation; Rees-Jones Foundation; and The Hillcrest Foundation for their generous support.

Photo by Mario Tarradell/Big Thought