
Integrity is characterized by trustworthiness and reliability, even in challenging circumstances. Prior to the Marti Mulford Youth Art Exhibit, one of our fifth-grade members, Amalia, discovered she didn’t have anything special to wear for the event. She noticed my sweater and asked if she could borrow it. She wore it that evening, feeling a sense of pride and contentment in the vibrant sweater. I requested that she return it after the show, but she consistently neglected to do so. I emphasized the importance of adhering to commitments and building trust. Several weeks later, she finally fulfilled her promise. I wanted to highlight the significance of her returning the sweater. While it may not appear to be a sizable matter, establishing trust, even for returning a sweater, empowers and normalizes expectations between individuals. Honoring her commitment, I recognized her as the March Learning Center Member of the Month. Amalia felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, but more importantly, she had demonstrated her ability to think critically and make good choices.