Changing Lives One Story at a Time.

“Changing Lives One Story at a Time",” written by Betsey Upchurch

Amid the complexities of our world, I discovered an uplifting story about a young visionary making a significant impact. Meet E Train - a nickname lovingly given by his father - a 13-year - old who recently became a recipient of a Let’s Choose Love (LCL) grant. E Train, a self-described lover of books, passionately believes that books are ”windows” which not only broaden our horizons but also mirror our own experiences, providing a dual perspective that is transformative.

Moved by the realization that many children, especially those from low-income backgrounds, lack access to these enriching “windows,” E Train embarked on a mission to change that. With an infectious enthusiasm for books, he began reading to children at title one schools, igniting a love for reading by sharing stories that both entertain and educate. His efforts didn’t stop there; he also started buying and donating books to children who otherwise wouldn’t have them.

The Let’s Choose Love grant of $750 helped E Train expand his mission further. With the funds, he has already distributed books to teachers at Del Paso Manor Elementary School and plans to continue donating to more classrooms. Additionally, he launched a Tech/Online Safety Initiative, using grant funds to buy interactive books on online safety and even getting the authors involved by having them record messages for the students.

E Train’s impact became vividly apparent during his participation in the community reading day at Del Paso Manor Elementary School. He not only read stories to younger students but also educated older ones about online safety. The response was overwhelmingly positive - students were engaged and curious; many of them now follow his YouTube channel where he reviews books and interviews authors. Some were so inspired that they asked for his autograph, a testament to E Train’s ability to “make reading cool.”

E Train’s tag line is changing lives one story at a time. That philosophy is exactly what Let’s Choose Love grants are all about, provide a little help and watch the doers spread good. Every grant recipient is a doer who is choosing love. His story is a powerful reminder of how passion, when paired with action, can transform lives and inspire a new generation of readers and leaders. Thank you, E Train, for your dedication and thank you E Train for the good you do and the example you set.