There are some classroom assignments that take on a life of their own. Roots & Wings, a project for ninth graders in Terry Gregory’s English Language Arts class, pairs students with older adults with dyslexia to share stories across generations.

The goal: To build empathy and compassion while applying academic skills in a real-life setting.

The outcome: Profound.

Over a series of weekly meetings, students (the Wings) listened closely to their Roots as they reflected on childhood, school, work, and the successes and challenges they faced along the way — many without the academic support systems students have today.

Every Thursday, it became something to look forward to as the students developed their narrative skills and grew more comfortable. Early interviews of prepared questions slowly gave way to easier dialogues as the connections deepened. As ninth grader Owen Ives described, “Going in, I was a little bit nervous. After the first session, conversation flowed and it felt more like friends talking.”

That sense of ease opened the door to something deeper. “It was really nice to hear somebody else’s perspective on life,” ninth grader Alex Kunst said. “[My Root] shared a lot of special experiences, and we bonded over the times we met.”
 

As trust builds, so does meaning. Students begin to notice not just what their Roots experienced, but how they lived — what they pursued, what they valued, and how they continued to grow. For Alex, it was the way his Root found purpose through service. “She had this spirit of just going for it,” he said. “She did a lot, and it made me realize I can always do more. I can always give back more.”

These stories also reshape how students understand their own learning journeys. Hearing about school experiences from a time when dyslexia was less understood brings both contrast and clarity. “It made me realize how fortunate I am to be at Carroll,” Alex reflected.

For Owen, the connection was both personal and aspirational. His mentor, a lawyer, shared how he worked through challenges related to dyslexia. “He talked about how he had to work two times harder,” Owen said. “Hearing his story showed me that if you work hard, you can get to a place where you’re giving back to others.”

In their final presentation, delivered to an audience of Roots and peers, the impact of the experience was unmistakable. Alex captured what he learned from his Root: be useful to others, be kind to yourself, appreciate detail, and maintain the world around you.

“I think it’s changed how I see what I can do,” Alex said. “Before, I thought I was doing the most I could. But now I know I can keep pushing myself.”

Curriculum Snapshot

Over multiple weeks, Wings & Roots meet to explore the arc of a life story.

Week 1, Connection & Curiosity: Build trust and begin learning about one another.

Week 2, Roots & Identity: Explore childhood, early learning, and formative experiences.

Week 3, Challenge & Resilience: Uncover struggles, especially around learning, and the strength it took to navigate them.

Week 4, Joy & Passion: Discover what brings purpose, energy, and creativity.

Week 5, Family, Love & Legacy: Understand relationships and the impact of others.

Week 6, Values & Wisdom: Capture life lessons and enduring beliefs.

Final, Celebration of Stories: Students present a written or multimedia tribute honoring their Root’s journey.

Read the full magazine here: Carroll Connection 2026-2027