One Stone learner Grace K. and Coach Allison Parker made an unexpected connection. Both of them were searching – looking for purpose, meaning and belonging – when they formed a bond that has changed them both for the better. They revealed their moment of connection to our supporters at the One Event 2020. Below, in their own words, is their story.
Grace: Fifteen-year-old Grace came to One Stone locked like a box; she didn't expect there to be a connectivity at school, though she craved it. She was ready for change, desperately trying to escape her routine of self deprecating and projecting. School had always been a prison for her, condemned to her desk. Though she couldn’t recite anything that was taught to her, she learned many lessons. She learned about people, favoritism, hierarchy, mistrust, delinquency, sex, drugs, hardships and reactive adolescent behavior. Grace never could have guessed just how impactful her One Stone experience would be.
Allison: Five years ago, I was working as an attorney in a thriving patent law practice at a great firm. I was proud of what I’d accomplished and knew that if I continued to work hard, I had a comfortable and fulfilling life ahead of me. But something happened. I met a Project Good team when they asked me to speak with them about my experience as a woman in a science and technology field. After that, I kept connecting with One Stone and I fell in love. I felt called to commit myself to the organization and to its community. Ultimately, I left that great firm and came to One Stone to coach in the Lab School. It was there that I met Grace. In her, I recognized an old soul who had travelled a rough road. She’d had enough. She’d seen enough ugliness, enough hate, and now protected herself by saying no to vulnerability and no to connection. In meeting Grace, I understood the calling I felt. I had an opportunity to provide a refuge for Grace and students like her, students who were on the edge of calling it quits.
Grace: Fifteen-year-old Grace struggled to find her will to further her education, be vulnerable, and make changes. She thought about her 14-year-old self a lot, a kid who withheld, who was confused and angry. Emerging Grace wanted to be heard and accepted at a time where nothing made sense. In her first month at One Stone on a community building trip, 15-year-old Grace had a moment where she decided to try something. She shared her story to give other people the strength to share their own. One Stone gave her hope and the community gave her a sense of purpose.
Allison: When Grace told her story, I was scared. She was so vulnerable — something I knew didn’t come easy for her — and I was so new to One Stone that I didn't yet know the way in which the community would hold space for her. I shouldn’t have worried. In telling her story, Grace made a connection. This connection strengthened herself, strengthened the community, and strengthened my conviction that this was the place for me. She confirmed that all I had hoped for was actually possible, that One Stone inspired transformative conversation and support.
Grace: 16-year-old Grace made the life changing decision to look after herself. She was learning how to be intentional, to uplift others, to set goals and hold herself accountable. To accept her flaws and celebrate the successes. She was learning that maybe she did have a role to play in this next chapter of her life. I remember a certain someone suggesting I join a One Stone backpacking trip in the Owyhees. I jumped at the opportunity to get outside, and foster connections with my peers, coaches and beloved mentor. I had my doubts about my abilities, but I certainly surprised myself with how capable my body was and how ready I was to challenge myself. Allison empowered me. She made me feel welcome. She had no judgements and it made me realize just how important my relationship with her was and forever will be. The trip inspired me to evaluate my passions and prioritize the time I spend outside.
Allison: On that trip, Grace and I sat together in a meadow, resting after a long day of hiking across rugged country with heavy packs. As we enjoyed the company of our community and settled into the routine of preparing a meal, I marveled at where our connection had brought us. Our relationship started when we were both new to One Stone and we now were family. Like most of what we do at One Stone, outdoor trips are a lot of work. The amount of planning and preparation that goes into curating moments is surprising and largely unseen. But our commitment to these young people is not a commitment of convenience. We do the hard things so we can have moments like the one Grace and I experienced in that meadow. Doing the hard thing, leaving that venerable law firm for a scrappy non-profit, led me to my calling, led me to my One Stone community, and led me to Grace. The connection I’ve experienced here has challenged me, fulfilled me, and changed my life. I am forever grateful.
Grace: I am who I am today, 17-year-old Grace, because of Allison. I owe so much of my success to her at One Stone. She never let me give up. I admire this woman beside me like no other, she is living her truth and changing lives. I needed her in my life to recognize my own potential, the importance of connection and the value of shared moments. Today, I am a musician, a visionary, an artist, a student and a friend. I’ve been lucky enough to land myself a spot in Boise’s artistic community and I’m so grateful for the students, coaches and environment at my school which has allowed me to make mistakes, jam out, and flourish. I never would have guessed that I would make money writing music, playing sets, and making music videos, but look at me, in pursuit. I have a future. I intend to pursue music, videography, philosophy, religious studies and the arts at Bennington College in Vermont this upcoming fall, attending as a recipient of the John Dewey Scholar Award.
I stand here in front of you now, a better person because of the trials I’ve faced and the obstacles I’ve overcome. The power of connection changes lives. Thank you, Allison, and thank you One Stone for making students better leaders and the world a better place.
Our thanks to Grace and Allison for sharing the story of their bond and how it has changed both of their lives for the better.
