Children tell two types of stories; the ones that fantasize about superheroes and the ones that cry out for a superhero. The stories that fantasize about superheroes are told at bedtime, on the playground with peers, or on scrap pieces of paper that get shoved into the back of a desk. The stories that cry out for a superhero are told in the confines of a courtroom, with strangers who are asking about details of memories that they are too young to understand let alone find the appropriate words for. While the stories that fantasize about superheroes are encouraged, the stories that cry out for superheroes are silenced. As a child’s story is silenced, so is their future.

There is nothing more sobering than hearing the stories of children who are crying out for superheroes. Stories from children who are abused, neglected and fighting for futures with lessons that they had to teach themselves along the way. Hearing these stories is unlike any “ah-ha” moment you have ever had, and I will tell you why.

I always find myself focusing on what I do not have. Usually, these objects are materialistic mood-boosters like a new pair of shoes. I also focus on what I consider to be problems, like my parents wanting to spend too much time with me while I am home for the summer. It never occurred to me to think about what I do have. It never occurred to me that there were more productive ways to spend my time other than fixating on aspects of my life that did not truly matter. It was idle time spent by an idle person that needed a wake-up call.

This summer, I interned for CASA. For those of you who do not know, CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. These advocates are regular people that volunteer their time to help children who need superheroes. They provide a voice for stories that usually remain untold. In many cases, they are the first person who has ever tried to help these children. They also carry these stories of abuse and neglect with them as they move forward in their advocacy, which is a weight that stays with you. While there are CASA offices across the country, I decided to stay in Toledo. I would be lying if I said that I did not have clouded judgment walking into the office that first day. All I ever knew about Toledo was what the news told me: a heroin epidemic, a human trafficking problem, and daily violence. I wrote the city off like many people do because I did not see any potential. I could not have been more incorrect. While some aspects of Toledo are fragile, they are outnumbered by aspects that are strong. Aspects like the children who live there.

While working for CASA, I was able to read the stories that cry out for superheroes. I was introduced to children who should be living happy, healthy lives and instead have to foster a sense of resilience that many adults lack. Most importantly, I was able to see what focusing on what you have looks like. These children, who did not have much, radiated more positivity than I ever thought could be possible given their situations. What each of these children did have was a mentor. Someone who comforted them pushed them and excited them towards the future. Although their futures were more uncertain than we will ever be able to understand, they held on because there was nothing left behind from the past. It is because of these advocates that they can rely on steps they have not made yet.

This summer has taught me valuable lessons, the first of which being that children are phenomenal teachers. I have learned through watching them persevere through circumstances that I will never be able to fully comprehend and I have learned through watching them choose positivity rather than succumb to feelings of doubt or anger. CASA also taught me that anyone can make a difference in the lives of these children. You do not have to be licensed, have a specific degree, or a related career to become a CASA volunteer. You just have to care about children, which is something that I think we all could be doing better. After learning how easy it is to take one case, I wonder why more people have not taken the opportunity.