Rosmin, Paulina and Octavian are our friends who came and visited us all the way from Tanzania in September of 2023! Rosmin and Paulina run a children's home with around 36 kids varying in age, and Octavian is one of the first few kids to go through the home and has since become a very successful safari and mountain guide due to his passion for photography. Columbine has been very honored and excited to welcome these guests into our rebel family these past few weeks and even before that back in 2018 when they first visited. These three together visited many classrooms each day to share their stories, answer questions, and simply engage with the students. At the homecoming assembly, Rosmin led the student section through a chant of words of affirmation: “I am special, I am unique, I am loved, no one like me!” The chant was repeated at least 15 times before he closed his speech with a heartfelt thank you for inviting him and his family into our Columbine home. Mr. Garkow, who hosted our visitors, also had a community night where people from the community came into the auditorium and shared their stories, answered questions and interacted with the crowd to create  genuine connections with each person in the room. When asked what his favorite part of being at Columbine was, Rosmin simply said, all of the people are his favorite part. Rosmin, Paulina and all of the kids back at the home handmade 400 bracelets with the phrase “WE ARE COLUMBINE” written in blue or silver. They both walked around the school with Octavian during passing period, handing them out to anyone who wanted them. They have left a mark on this school and have touched many lives with their endless supply of kindness and inspiring stories. We can’t wait to see you again!