5 Lessons We’ve Learned from Our Students
At Hope for Opelousas, we believe that love changes everything. But the truth is, that love doesn’t just flow one way. Not a day goes by that our students don’t teach us something new, whether it’s about patience, joy, resilience, or what it means to love like Jesus.
Their lessons remind us that hope grows the most abundant when it's shared, and that sometimes the greatest teachers are the young spirits of the kids sitting right in front of us.
We’d like to share five lessons that our team has learned from the incredible students of Hope.
Stay Curious and Open-Hearted
For Kelly Babineaux, our Lower Elementary Director, every day is a front row seat to fearless curiosity.
“They ask why, how, and who about everything,” Kelly said. “It’s the sweetest reminder that learning is less about having the answers and more about staying curious and open-hearted.” Their questions remind us that faith and growth both begin with child-like wonder.
2. Meet People Where They Are
When Kelsey Smith, Upper Elementary Director, helped launch our lower elementary program, she discovered a new depth of patience and grace
“Those first new weeks were a huge learning curve for me,” Kelsey shared. “But it became such a meaningful experience. It stretched me, grew me, and ultimately taught me so much about meeting kids exactly where they are.” Through every new challenge, her students remind her that love meets us right where we’re at—just as we are.
3. Trust God’s Timing
Our High School Director, Tevin Duhon, says his biggest lesson is learning to let go and let God work in His own time.
“Some kids are receptive right away, but others need different avenues of learning,” he said. “I forgot that I’m only the planter of seeds and God is one of the active agents in the life cycle of a beautiful flower.” Hope is never wasted; it just grows in its own season.
4. Slow Down and Be Joyful
The students’ laughter and energy are a constant nudge toward intentional joy for Kristina Anderson, our Administrative Director.
“When I can take a minute to slow down and be in their world, it allows me to reflect on the importance of intentionality in relationships,” she shared. “I don’t always do this well, but I’m thankful for the kids’ pull on me to do it better.” Our students remind us that joy isn’t found in doing more, but it’s found in being present.
5. Love Keeps Growing More Love
For our Executive Director, Loren Carriere, one powerful conversation with a student named Tavian became a lifelong reminder of purpose.
Sometimes I wondered if what we were doing was making a difference,” Loren said. “And Tavian told me, ‘Man, shut up! You are crazy. I’m not sure if I would be alive if it weren’t for you and HFO.” That moment reminded Loren, and all of us, that God’s love is always working, even when we can’t see it. Love keeps growing more love.
