Ryan Everidge

Ryan Everidge

Meet Ryan Everidge

Ryan Everidge, a first grader, has been with Bridges since August 2024. An adorably, irresistible genius, Ryan is the youngest of our scholars. When we met him in August he was like many of the others, reluctant about attending an afterschool homework completion program. His tiny stature was often accompanied by a full-sized grimace and almost forced hello. Ryan often tried to negotiate staying home according to his mom. He has a great support system at home and was doing well in school, but struggled with working independently and reading. “Ryan preferred we read to him versus him reading aloud. He was not confident in his work or ability and was very critical of himself,” said Desiree.

The struggles were visible in Ryan’s unwillingness to start his homework at the beginning of tutoring, his retreat to baby talk and frequent requests for time checks to see how much longer he needed to work on a task. All of these things made Ryan perfect for Bridges. We specialize in customizing strategies and routines that meet scholars where they are and help them cultivate a growth mindset.

For Ryan, this meant frequent breaks, doing his reading on the floor, competing with him about who could read the best, and celebrating every tiny victory, complete with a victory dance, until he understood that he was seen, loved, and capable of independent excellence. 

When asked how Bridges has impacted Ryan, Mrs. Everidge replied, “He is engaging with his peers and using his words more to express his feelings, needs and accomplishments. Academically, Ryan was struggling with reading; however, now, Ryan is reading with fluency. He is developing a love for reading; challenging himself with novels. The biggest change I’ve seen with Ryan is his posture towards education. Before, he approached his work with a defeated mindset. Now Ryan’s embracing life with a growth mindset: everything is an opportunity.” Recently, we all did a victory dance to celebrate Ryan’s reading levels and a perfect score on his spelling test. 

Ryan had this to say, “I like doing my homework there because they give us hard math. I do like my friends and the people and playing Legos. It’s fun and I get to make new friends and everything and jump rope and all of that stuff!” 

Well Ryan Everidge… WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! We love you and your family. We are elated that you are here preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. 

Parent Review

“Bridges was my first job as a teen and I worked here many years thereafter, as a College and Career Specialist. I know the heart of this program and it’s only gotten better with time. Bridges is filled with passionate people who are patient,” said Desiree Everidge when asked why she chose Bridges as a resource for her children.