When Elisa Fernandez ’25 enrolled in Ursuline’s Serviam class during her junior year, she didn’t expect her class project to evolve into a two-year commitment that would touch the lives of dozens of young children. But through passion, empathy, and perseverance, that’s exactly what happened.

Moved by the learning inequities she saw in the community and inspired by her own experiences as a bilingual student with learning differences, Elisa chose to focus her Serviam project on supporting early childhood education. She connected with Mi Cielito Lindo, a local early childhood education center, and offered to start a tutoring program. What began as a simple outreach email quickly grew into a full-fledged initiative, with other Ursuline students joining her to help.

Twice a week, Elisa and her peers worked one-on-one with children from underserved backgrounds, tailoring each session to the child’s level—whether identifying pictures with a four-year-old or building reading fluency with more advanced learners. “A lot of these kids come from underprivileged families where they don’t have access to tutors outside of school,” Elisa shared. “Even though they’re still going to school, they’re learning at a slower pace… so our focus was on site words, reading comprehension, and building confidence.”

I wanted them to know they weren’t just being tutored, but that someone genuinely believed in them.

Over two years, Elisa worked with about 20 children, but one relationship in particular stood out – a student with whom she’s worked with consistently since the beginning. “She couldn’t even read the alphabet properly when she started,” Elisa recalled. “When she finally read a sentence fluently, she was so excited. That moment made me so happy.”

But it wasn’t just about academics. Elisa prioritized building trust and emotional safety, especially for children who don’t always feel seen in the classroom. “We always start with simple questions like what’s your favorite color?  Or what do you like to eat? We want them to feel safe and cared for. I wanted them to know they weren’t just being tutored, but that someone genuinely believed in them.”

Elisa’s personal connection to the mission is what made the work so meaningful. “English was my second language so I really understand how hard it can be,” she said. “I wanted to be someone these kids could relate to and rely on.”

Now, preparing to graduate, Elisa is passing the torch to fellow Ursuline student Faye Brister ’26, who has already begun working with Mi Cielito Lindo and is ready to carry the program forward. A group of sophomores are also preparing to join the effort, ensuring that Elisa’s legacy of compassionate service will continue for years to come.

For students who may be looking for ways to serve, Elisa has a simple message: “It doesn’t have to start out as something huge. Anything small really makes a difference. I feel like a lot of times we have this idea in our heads that we shouldn't be doing it if it's not really going to make a big difference. You don’t always realize it at first—but it does.”