How One Student’s Journey Reflects the Enduring Impact of All It Takes

It was the middle of the night when Matthew, wide awake, decided he wanted to write a letter. A letter that was waiting in my inbox when I opened my phone in the morning. 

Over coffee I read it multiple times,

“I just want to say thank you for everything... Recently I’ve started to realize I don’t thank my blessings enough, and I just wanted to say AIT has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.”

For me this was an unexpected yet incredibly moving letter to receive. Being in education for over 30 years, I know first hand how rare it is to receive long term feedback from those I (and my team) serve. And I know how special it is when it happens. Typically, I just hope we’ve made a difference - knowing we did affirms my purpose. 

When Matthew first came to AIT he was a different person. He had a past that involved insecurities, loneliness and challenging behaviors. At times he felt lost, reactive, and angry and eventually found himself in serious trouble at school. That said, the school took a less traveled approach and simultaneously did three things…

1. They continued to believe in Matthew and embraced him as their own even though serious rules had been broken. 

2. They implemented consistent, fair and effective consequences. 

3. They asked Matthew to join a diverse group of other students from the school in the All It Takes Leadership program. 

   
   

The combination of these three things resulted in Matthew’s ability to see himself in a new way. To see others in a new way also. These changes did not happen overnight, as he wrote in his email, “It was gradual.”

But the growth was real and I am proud to be a part of his journey.

He shared that through trust-building challenges, vulnerable conversations, and a space where he was truly seen, Matthew started to shift. He learned how to lead, how to reflect, how to show up for others—and himself. Slowly, he traded fear for courage, confusion for clarity, and anger for compassion.

Now, he returns to AIT programs—not as a participant, but as a mentor.

“Every time I come back, I learn more... What you do is amazing. The positive impacts you have on kids and teenagers is amazing, and what a lot of my generation needs.”

Stories like Matthew’s keep me going. My decades as a school counselor, trainer, and program developer have solidified what the science and research says, when young people are given the tools to:

• recognize and process their emotions; 

• authentically connect with their peers; and 

• step into their own unique purpose and leadership…

their whole world can change, starting with themselves and moving outwards.

Not overnight. Not one time. But for a lifetime.

I am proud of Matthew and forever grateful he shared his heart with us. His words are a reminder that real growth often happens quietly, gradually, and it matters more than we know.

Lori Woodley-Langendorff

Founder - Chief Visionary Officer - All It Takes

How One Student’s Journey Reflects the Enduring Impact of All It Takes

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Matthew's Letter:

Hi Lori!

I'm currently in my room, not able to fall asleep just because I have so much on my mind. I just want to say thank you for everything. Recently I’ve started to realize I don’t thank my blessings enough, and I just wanted to say AIT has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Although it didn’t have an instant effect, it was gradual; still, every time I come back as a mentor, I learn more. Thank you so much for what you do, and I want you to know, what you do is amazing. The positive impacts you have on kids and teenagers are amazing, and what a lot of my generation needs. I am blessed to have met the people I have and to be a part of AIT. I really hope I’ll be able to have the impact you and all the other adults have. Thank you.

- Matthew