How About Learning

Growing Up Different, Teaching Every Child They Belong

Growing up with three fingers on one hand shaped the way I see the world, my students, and the power of acceptance. In this article, I share my journey of growing up feeling different, the moments that challenged me, and how those experiences inspire the work I do today as an educational business owner. My hope is to remind every child who feels different that they are valued, capable, and completely worthy of being loved for exactly who they are.

For so many years, I wondered if people would see my three fingers before they saw me. Then I became a mom and watched my son proudly hold my hand, never once seeing it as different — just as Mom’s hand. 🤍

As the owner of a tutoring company, I spend my days helping students build confidence: not just in reading, writing, or math, but in themselves. While every child who walks through my doors has a different story, there is one lesson I hope they all leave with: being different is never something to apologize for.

I was born with three fingers on one hand.

For as long as I can remember, people have noticed. As a child, I caught the stares before I understood what they meant. Other kids asked questions like, "What happened to your hand?" or, "What else is wrong with you?" Sometimes they were simply curious. Other times, their words carried judgment that stayed with me longer than they probably realized. Even as an adult, people still stare, ask questions, or make assumptions before they know me.

Growing up that way teaches you something most people never have to think about. You learn what it feels like to be seen for your difference before you're seen for your heart, your talents, or your character.

But here's what I've learned: our differences are never the most important thing about us.

They're simply one part of the incredible people we become.

Owning a tutoring company has given me the opportunity to create the kind of environment I wish every child could experience. A place where students are celebrated for who they are, where mistakes are part of learning, where challenges don't define potential, and where kindness matters just as much as achievement.

Every day I work with students who have learning differences, disabilities, anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or simply feel like they don't fit the mold. Some walk in believing they're "behind." Others have been told they're "too much" or "not enough."

I want every one of them to know that they are already enough.

Children are remarkably accepting when they're shown that differences are normal. They don't need perfection, they need examples. They need adults who show them that confidence doesn't come from looking like everyone else; it comes from embracing who they are.

I hope that, in some small way, I'm helping shape how the next generation sees people who are different. Maybe one of my students will grow up to be the person who welcomes everyone to the table. Maybe they'll ask thoughtful questions instead of making assumptions. Maybe they'll see someone's uniqueness before they notice what makes them different.

As for me, some days I notice my hand, and some days I forget it's even there. It's simply a part of my story.

If there's one thing I hope every student learns from knowing me, it's this: your value is never determined by how closely you resemble everyone else. The world doesn't need more people who fit into the same mold. It needs people who are compassionate, resilient, and unafraid to be exactly who they are.

And if, along the way, my story helps even one child feel seen, one parent feel hopeful, or one person choose kindness over judgment, then I know I'm doing far more than teaching academics. I'm helping build a world where difference is met with acceptance, and every child knows they belong.

Growing Up Different, Teaching Every Child They Belong Click here for an update from How About Learning!

We just wanted to say thank you for making this year's Liberty Loop such a memorable event!

We had an incredible time connecting with so many new and familiar faces, cheering on participants, and celebrating our amazing community together. Whether you stopped by our booth, entered our raffle, grabbed some goodies, or simply stopped to say hello, we truly appreciated every conversation.

Events like Liberty Loop remind us why we love serving this community. Watching families come together, students smile, and neighbors support one another is exactly what How About Learning is all about.

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Congratulations again to our raffle winner! If you didn't win this time, don't worry—we have plenty of exciting events, giveaways, and learning opportunities coming up throughout the year.

As summer continues, we're looking forward to helping students finish strong and prepare for a successful school year. If you're thinking about back-to-school tutoring, now is a great time to reserve your preferred day and time before our schedule fills.

Thank you again for your continued support of How About Learning. We can't wait to see you at our next community event!

With gratitude,

The How About Learning Team

Need a night out? Check out our next event below!

Thank You for an Amazing Liberty Loop! Click here for an update from How About Learning!