As a middle school counselor, I know firsthand how unkind kids can be to each other—but today, I saw something that reminded me just how compassionate they really are.

It was “College Day” at our school, when students wear gear from colleges, universities, trade programs, or tech schools, and we focus on the importance of pursuing education after high school. At lunch, we hosted a trivia game with buzzers, prizes, and questions about scholarships, apprenticeships, and post-secondary options. Six students came up at a time to play.

During one round, two of the students who participated were from our self-contained classroom. These students are amazing—resilient, determined, and full of heart. As the game began, I braced myself to step in if they needed support or if things didn’t feel inclusive.

The first question went to one of the general education students. Then, on the second question, one of our students from the self-contained class buzzed in first. Before I could even help, a few peers quietly came up behind him and whispered the answer in his ear. He repeated it with excitement, and when I announced it was correct, the crowd erupted in cheers—louder than I’d heard all day.

It happened again with the next question. This time, the crowd began chanting his name, and he lit up with pride. More students from the self-contained class were invited up to play, and the cheering only grew louder. The whole room was beaming—students supporting one another, showing joy, unity, and genuine kindness.

After the activity ended, I had to step into my office just to take it all in. We often talk about the challenges this generation faces, but I saw something powerful today. These kids are good. They’re empathetic. They lift each other up. And in that moment, they reminded me that the future is in very good hands.