Asher’s teachers say it is a joy to have him in their classes. He is soft-spoken, gentle, very bright and creative. Like many of the refugee students, he has every reason to be angry, even bitter, he has a lot of scars to carry with him in his life.

But he never shows them, and he never complains or seethes.

He is unfailingly courteous and empathetic. His mother is very important to him and to his brother Issachar. She is the inspiration for much of his art, they are both keenly aware of her sacrifices to get them to America and keep them safe.

Asher is in Sue Silverstein’s art class and I want to be careful not to get too close to too many kids. That could be an emotional overload for me, I got quite attached to the kids I saw every week this summer, they are remarkable people. But as I learned in my hospice and Mansion work, it’s not wise to get too close to many people.

It just leads to burnout. And as a volunteer, I want and need to keep some distance and perspective.

I was very happy to see him loving the sneakers we got him, and the wrist bracelets he wears every day. We did help him find himself and strength his voice and identity.

Good work, Asher, come and listen to his explanation of his award-winning painting.