Full Circle Moments & Future Impact: Inspiring the Next Generation at LNC Builders Club

I had the absolute sweetest time sharing with the Lake Norman Charter Builders Club about my job, Lyric’s Loft, and the power of service. Builders Club was my very first taste of community service when I was young, and coming back as an alumna was such a full circle moment. It means so much to spread autism awareness and inspire young hearts to give back. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm for service truly filled my heart.

A huge thank you to Liz Jones, leader of the Builders Club, for making this event possible. I’m thrilled to announce that Lyric’s Loft is teaming up with the club. Each member took home a bag to fill with gently used children’s or adult clothing. They’ll bring them back at their next meeting on April 10, and I can’t wait to see all the donations and the impact they will have on our community. 💚💙

Throughout the day, I had the chance to reconnect with many incredible educators and friends from my past. I want to give a special shoutout to Catherine Bogarad, my sixth grade teacher and the leader of Builders Club back in 2010. She was one of the first few adults in my life who sparked my passion for service. I also want to recognize Donna Sheck, my sixth grade math teacher, who came down to greet me after all these years. It was such a heartwarming reunion. A big thank you to Mrs. Gilbert as well for being a steadfast leader in the Builders Club, always guiding young minds toward service and leadership. And it was such a pleasure catching up with Dr. Kendrick, a true legend at Lake Norman Charter. Though I never had him for math, his larger-than-life presence can literally be heard from a mile away.

One of the most special parts of the day was reconnecting with Andrea Wofford, my best friend, with whom I’ve walked the halls of Charter since fifth grade. Coming back together for this event reminded me how far we’ve come and how our shared passion for service continues to shape our lives. Andrea’s leadership as President of North Carolina Donations for Lyric’s Loft is truly making a difference.

During the event, the students kept the energy high by asking such thoughtful questions about my work. I even got asked if I could work ABA with animals, a quirky question that made me smile and reminded me of the limitless curiosity of these young minds. Hearing one student say, “I want to be a BCBA like Miss Siera,” was everything my heart needed to know that all my sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears were worth it.

I’m also incredibly proud to share that I now have two current LNC Builders Club members who are spearheading their own mini clothing drive for Lyric’s Loft. The future is undeniably bright for these young leaders, and I couldn’t be more excited to see where their passion takes them.

This day wasn’t just about speaking. It was about reconnecting, inspiring, and building bridges between our past and the bright future of service. I’m so grateful for every moment and every person who made this day special.