In May, my family took a cross-country trip to attend our oldest daughter’s college graduation. It was wonderful to share in the sense of accomplishment she felt after years of study, hard work, and sacrifice. Her smile throughout the day said it all. After the ceremony, our conversation turned to reminiscing—a family-favorite activity. A story my daughter told us stood out to me as particularly meaningful, because it was such a small but significant moment.

When she was a relatively new student, she was trying to decide on a direction for her studies. She had an interest in criminal justice and had already taken a couple of classes when an advisor from that program encouraged her to consider a graduate program. She was surprised when he expressed certainty that she had the grades, talent, and work ethic to succeed at that next level of education. While she had not been considering a graduate program, his confidence in her got her thinking, and she decided to pursue that goal.

I’m certain for that professor, this conversation was just one among many that day. I’m also sure he was simply doing what any good educator would do—encouraging a student in whom he saw potential to stretch a little. However, that brief chat led my daughter to a decision that will forever benefit her.

As I’ve reflected on that story during the past weeks, I’ve become particularly mindful of situations in which people’s

seemingly little actions have had big impacts. Our small kindnesses and extra efforts can do so much to improve the lives of those around us, and we often underestimate the positive effect we have on others.

Since 1939, our credit union has been guided by the principle of people helping people. We started small, with just 59 members. In fact, we were few enough in number that the credit union’s leaders often visited members’ homes to see how they were doing and how the credit union could help them and their families.

Today, visiting members at home isn’t possible anymore. Nevertheless, our belief in and commitment to one another is still as strong as the day we were founded. We are constantly working to increase the access and control you have over your money, both at our neighborhood branches and through the digital tools and resources available in Online and Mobile Banking. We are

also continually developing new ways to help you get more out of every dollar you earn, save, or spend. Because of that dedication and innovation, we can pay higher dividends, charge lower interest rates, reduce fees, offer top-quality financial education, and help each other do things such as buy homes, start and grow businesses, and of course, send our kids to college.

Thank you for being part of America First, for letting us serve you, and for trusting us to help you pursue your unique financial dreams. And thank you for being people helping people. What you do truly matters in countless ways, both big and little.