There’s a type of magic that comes with learning and the opportunity many young people are provided with across the country, according to Ashlye Wilkerson.
Wilkerson is a Winthrop alumna who later became the youngest member of the Board of Trustees.
She said that remaining involved on campus has always been a goal of hers and that the Winthrop motto “Leaving the world a better place” rang true when she decided to create her own foundation for education, The Magic of Learning Foundation.
She said that she would love to implement her organization on Winthrop’s campus and that remaining active during her undergraduate and postgraduate time with Winthrop has always stayed with her and helped her learn about leadership.
She served as a Resident Assistant (RA), Student Alumni Council, Alpha Omega, Alpha Kappa Psi, Winthrop Ambassador and Winthrop Homecoming Queen–during which she and her king, Quadrey Reeves, implemented a service component. She continued to serve her alma mater as a Winthrop Admissions Alumni Volunteer.
WIlkerson founded The Magic of Learning Foundation, which she said seeks to provide magical learning experiences and enhance the academic processes for students and their families.
“…to impact the educational experience and overall well being of our children, with the motto of “Helping our future, one child at a time”! It is our goal to create products and experiences which focuses on the entire child. By focusing on the entire child, we seek to provide fun educational activities to engage the child and make the learning process enjoyable,” the foundation’s website said.
They have organized key initiatives such as Tori R.E.A.D.S. (Reading and Educational Activities for Daily Success) which is a literacy outreach program that provides early childhood reading opportunities.
Wilkerson said that this initiative helps children understand the importance of reading and fosters the love for lifelong learning with the help of Tori and volunteer readers.
They also participate in community partnerships with Harvest Hope Food Bank and volunteer at Books and Bears with the Palmetto Children’s Hospital, Family Shelter, Oliver Gospel Mission – Toby’s Place and Ronald McDonald House.
Ta’Niss Robinson, a senior psychology major, is a member of the foundation and she said that it is an important organization that is great for students who want to gain a new perspective on community service and receive hands-on experience.
“It’s an organization with the purpose of involving college students to enhance the education process for children and their families in regards to literacy,” Robinson said.
In May 2018, The Magic of Learning Foundation chartered their first collegiate chapter at Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. The school was able to begin volunteering in their community in Fall 2018.
Many Winthrop students have said that they would be interested in participating in this foundation if Winthrop were to charter a chapter. Robinson expressed her enthusiasm about the organization and the possibility for a Winthrop chapter.
“Being a part of the organization could get people involved in the community in working with local schools,” Robinson said.
