On Tuesday, May 06, 2025, my daughter Nickealia and I had the absolute honor of participating in Read Across Jamaica Day at Top Hill Primary School. From the moment we stepped onto the school grounds, we were welcomed with open arms and hearts by Principal Mrs. Headlam & Vice Principal Ms. D. Spence, who graciously invited us. We were escorted to the staff room where we were met with warm smiles, including a newly graduated teacher whose passion for education radiated from the start. The auditorium was buzzing with excitement as students engaged in poems, presentations, and even a treasure hunt. The energy was contagious, and the message was clear—the future is being shaped by literacy. One speaker in particular left a lasting impression. She spoke about her travels to Germany, and how, despite the language barrier, her ability to read and think critically helped her navigate the challenge of recovering lost luggage using Google Translate. Her powerful reminder that “readers are thinkers and thinkers are leaders” echoed through the room like an anthem for every child present.

The most special part of the day was seeing Nickealia in her element. Ms. Spence called her up to introduce herself, and in that moment, she stood with such grace and confidence. The teachers couldn’t help but praise her—”Such a bright and brilliant child,” they said. And you know what? She truly shone. Nickealia read Series 1 of our book The Girl Who Found Her Voice Through Therapy, while I read Series 2 to the Grade 3 class. She later whispered to me that she felt like a celebrity, and I believed her—because the children treated her like one.

After reading, Nickealia shared how the students interacted with her—some had lost a parent or a sibling, and they connected deeply with her story. One little girl, in particular, didn’t say much. She didn’t ask questions, but she wouldn’t leave her side. She stood quietly next to her, as if her presence alone spoke volumes. I had a similar experience with another young girl who kept repeating, “I love the book, I love the book.” That kind of raw, innocent feedback hits the soul different.

During my reading session, I also shared the testimony of how this book came to be. It was in the stillness of the early morning when the Lord whispered to my heart and gave me the vision for this story. That encounter with God changed everything for me—and now here we were, my daughter and I, watching it impact the next generation.

I also had a chance to encourage the very teacher I met earlier in the day. She’d been contemplating writing a book for a while, and I reminded her: if God placed that story in her spirit, the time is now. Our stories are meant to be told.

We ended the day with snacks, laughter, and snapshots of joy with the children—memories that will live in our hearts for a lifetime.

It was truly a phenomenal day. A divine assignment fulfilled. Literacy isn’t just about books. It’s about connection. Healing. Leadership. And future-building. And if today proved anything, it’s that literacy is indeed the compass that guides our children toward brighter, bolder futures.

Alecia S. Spence