🖌️Painting a Brighter Future (and My Walls): Supporting Student Works While Chasing Dust Bunnies

There’s something magical about the smell of fresh paint — it’s like your home is exhaling after holding its breath for far too long. This week, as the dust settled (quite literally), our cozy nest got a much-needed refresh — all thanks to a program called Student Works Painting.

Now, you know me — I’ve got a soft spot for young folks trying to find their way in the world, and an even softer spot for any excuse to clean behind the fridge. So when these young folks showed up at my door looking for work over the summer, I thought:
Why not help students and my walls at the same time?

These young entrepreneurs and workers showed up with grit, gratitude, and a paintbrush — learning leadership, customer service, and learning the fine balancing act of heat and humidity with paint drying times. They worked hard. They learned fast. And you get a team of bright-eyed painters who want to do a great job because they care.

Here’s what I loved most about our experience:

• They worked safely! (hallelujah).
  
  
• They explained everything — from the quote to the cleanup.
  
  
• They brought their A-game... and drop cloths.
  
  
• And they were kind. Polite. Professional. The kind of students you want to root for.
  
  

And while they painted, I found myself deep in Mama Sparrow mode — decluttering corners, chasing dust bunnies, and humming to myself about how sometimes a coat of paint on the walls can inspire a little inner renovation, too.

Before I close out, I want to send a heartfelt thank you to Gavin and his amazing Student Works crew. The weather threw everything it had at them — blazing sun, heavy humidity, and more than a few paint hiccups — but these young people showed up with determination, grit, and kindness in every brushstroke.

Their positive attitudes, professionalism, and respect for our little nest didn’t go unnoticed. You could feel the teamwork, hear the laughter, and see the care in how they treated both the house and each other.

So to Gavin and the team — thank you for bringing your best, even when the weather tried its worst. You didn’t just paint our house… you painted it with heart. 🎨💛

Want to Get Involved?

If you’ve been thinking about freshening up your home, I highly recommend checking out Student Works or similar programs in your area. You’re not just getting a service — you’re investing in the next generation of hardworking humans. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll rediscover a few forgotten treasures while pulling furniture away from the walls (I found my old journal and two missing socks).

Sometimes, a fresh start doesn’t have to be big.
Sometimes, it’s just paint and presence.
And a reminder that we’re all still learning — brushstroke by brushstroke.

https://studentworks.com/