Presence is the Purpose: A Conversation with Tricia Smith

For Tricia, retirement on April 1st last year didn’t mean slowing down; it meant redirection. With her own grandchildren living far away, she felt a pull toward the youth of Highlands. “I’ve always loved working with kids—Sunday school, scouts—and I know that being truly present with a child can make all the difference,” she explains. “It’s about letting them be heard.”

That philosophy brought her to The Literacy & Learning Center, where she quickly found that her role as a volunteer was less about being a formal "teacher" and more about being a steady, encouraging anchor. Far from the chaotic environment one might expect after a school bell rings, Tricia describes a typical afternoon at the Center as calm, orderly, and purposefully organized. “There is a wonderful balance here,” she says. “The kids have choices, but the transition from play to academic time is seamless and positive.”

The heart of Tricia’s work is found in the "lightbulb moments" that happen at the tutoring tables. She recalls working with students, some of whom struggled with self-doubt, even labeling themselves "stupid" when faced with complex tasks. Tricia’s approach isn’t just to provide the answer, but to teach emotional regulation. “I get them to take a moment, breathe, and come back to it,” she shares. Watching them return to a problem with complete confidence and finish the work is the "secret ingredient" of the Center in action.

Beyond the textbooks, Tricia witnesses a community in miniature. She watches older children instinctively guide the younger ones, fostering a spirit of cooperation and sharing that extends into the wider Highlands community. From seeing families gather at TL&LC Halloween and Christmas events to witnessing the collaboration of community partner programs, Tricia has seen how the Center knits the town together.

When asked what she would say to a neighbor hesitant to volunteer, her message is simple: “Give it a try.” While it’s hard to put the spirit of the place into words, Tricia summarizes The Literacy & Learning Center's mission in a single goal: making learning fun.