A Day with Nate!

February 23, 2026

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of an Elim student looks like? Recently, our Crossroads student, Nate, gave us an inside look at one of his typical days at Elim.

Nate first came to Elim in 2023 after his family realized that his previous school district was taking away from his educational experience by relying heavily on movie-watching. Debra, Nate’s mother, knew that a change was needed and that Nate deserved a school where he could truly learn and grow.

Because Nate can struggle with change, transferring to a new school was challenging at first. Adjusting to a new environment and understanding what it all meant took time. However, as time went on, Nate grew comfortable in his classroom and routine and began to open up to all the opportunities Elim had to offer.

“Nate is most engaged when participating in hands-on, vocational activities,” shares Alex, Nate’s teacher. “These settings allow him to be creative, take responsibility, and interact with others in meaningful ways. He truly thrives when his work feels purposeful and connected to real-life experiences!”

Nate is hands-on with Oasis Spa Creations, a student-run business that creates spa products for sale. He also loves working at Elim’s school store, where students of all ages can shop for new items. There, Nate greets customers, restocks shelves, and assists with checkout.

“He loves working at Oasis Spa,” Debra says. “He always tells me that he wants to be the ‘boss of the classroom!’”

Giving back to others is something Nate takes great pride in. From food drives to toy drives, he actively finds ways to involve his classmates in supporting the community.

“His greatest strengths are his caring nature and his genuine willingness to help others,” Alex tells us. “Nate is thoughtful, compassionate, and always eager to lend a hand, especially when it comes to supporting those in need.”

This past year, Nate began working two days a week in the Executive Learning Center, helping our Executive Assistant, Ann, with projects around the building.

“Nate approaches every task with a positive attitude, from supporting daily office needs to assisting Board members with coats and name badges,” Ann shares. “His work consistently reflects dedication and heart. He brings warmth, joy, and a genuine spirit of service that brightens our day. I especially enjoy walking him back to class while listening to his favorite rock-and-roll music. I am so blessed to work with Nate; he always makes me smile.”

After a long day at school, Debra says Nate often heads to the basement to play his drum set. He also creates artwork that fills his room and enjoys helping his parents cook in the kitchen. “He loves to keep busy!” Debra says.

Nate’s story shows the impact of hands-on learning, meaningful work, and a community that believes in every student’s potential, from the school store to Oasis Spa, and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Elim can provide the opportunities and support that allow students like Nate to grow and thrive. Your support truly makes stories like Nate’s possible.

Because of your generosity, our students receive the tools and resources that they need to thrive. Can you give today and equip over 400 students and adults at Elim to pursue their God-given potential?