Claire is a bright, confident, smiling second grader who has her sights set on being president of the United States. She speaks with such enthusiasm that you would never suspect her mother enrolled her in Children of the City (COC) because of an extreme lack of self confidence. It was heartbreaking to hear Claire repeatedly say “I hate myself”. Claire was assigned to a counselor at COC who recognized her challenges and leadership potential. By designing and implementing a social emotional learning plan Claire began making friends and not only joining in, but initiating activities with her peers. She became the leader in a new anti bullying initiative, and her natural artistic talents inspired her to show the other kids how to draw.