When the Wind Changes, We Rise Together

Recently, the severe windstorm that swept through Indianapolis brought down the large summer tent at the Felege Hiywot Center. While it was disappointing to see a space that hosts so much learning and community connection collapse overnight, it quickly became an opportunity to teach one of the most important lessons in the RISE Growth Mindset Framework: life doesn’t always go according to plan.

Our students saw firsthand that while we can’t control the weather, we can control how we respond.

Instead of focusing on what was lost, our youth watched trusted adults assess the situation, make a plan, and move forward. Less than two weeks later, our longtime partner, Major Tool & Machine, returned to help raise the tent once again.

For years, the Major Tool & Machine team has been far more than volunteers. They have been mentors who consistently model perseverance, teamwork, and service. By giving their time and expertise once again, they showed our students that strong communities don’t just celebrate together—they rebuild together.

Moments like these bring the RISE Growth Mindset Framework to life. Students experienced Resilience & Drive by seeing Adaptability in action as plans changed and everyone adjusted to a new reality. They also witnessed Problem Solving through Inquiry & Ingenuity, learning that challenges are opportunities to think creatively and find solutions rather than reasons to give up.

The tent may have fallen, but the lesson stood even stronger.

We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Major Tool & Machine for reminding our students that resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks. It’s about getting back up, working together, and continuing to move forward.

Thank you for helping us build more than a summer tent. Thank you for helping us build resilient young leaders.

May God continue to bless you,

Aster Bekele