All In for Kids: CIS Alumnus, Nate Bane

A Soldier’s Salute to His CIS Site Coordinator

Dear Mrs. Hampton,

Before I met you, I was struggling a lot in school. I had no friends and little motivation to improve my grades -- I didn’t see the importance of it. To add to it all, my family situation was going downhill fast. I reached the point where my grades were slipping, my emotional state was the worst it had ever been, and I had lost all hope. I ended up getting kicked out of my house, and going from couch to couch whenever I could. Most of the time I slept in my truck.

That’s when you came into my life. You were the only person who showed me any kindness and support during the hardest time in my life. You made sure I had food, clean clothes, and a place to shower. You made sure I was making better life choices, to help me succeed in school, and in life. You presented me with goals to strive for, and gave my life direction. I knew that I had someone who was there for me when it seemed like I was alone in the world. You constantly reminded me that I could count on you whenever I needed you, but also pushed me to be a better person and to mend my family relationships. You gave me support in every area of my life. You provided a helping hand, and a place to go, and you were someone to talk to before, during, and after school, when everything became too much. You were the one caring person who always came to me with a smile that I will never forget. You helped me love myself again and taught me to never give up on my dreams. One of those dreams was the Navy …

Without your kindness and support, I know for a fact that I would have given up and dropped out of school. Because of you, I am a better version of myself than I ever imagined. I’m proud to say that I walked with my senior class across that stage just as you told me I would. I left home with a great appreciation and love for my family. And even though it took everything in me, I made it through Boot Camp because I could hear you pushing me and believing in me. It helped remembering the hard times I went through and how you were always there for me and showed me that I am deserving … I am worthy. Words can never explain how thankful I am to have you in my corner, Mrs. Hampton, and I will continue to make you proud!

-Nate Bane, CIS of Wayne County Alumnus