2017 – Before MTYT: “Athletes in Action” field trip
- Prior to joining MTYT, Aaron had a desire to build a relationship between a private school and its local community, fulfilled by his athletics-based student-run clinic
- The mission of Athletes in Action was to discuss with young students the power of positive thinking and to have a fun time with physical activities at the Loomis Chaffee campus
Athletes in Action – Loomis Chaffee in Windsor, CT
Spring 2019 – Before MTYT: Journaling activity & school visit
- Prior to joining MTYT, Tori, the reigning Miss Red Rock Teen USA created a journaling exercise for ~60 3rd grade students that would be incorporated as part of class time before attending an assembly.
- These students learned about the importance of the journaling and were encouraged to continue daily affirmations long-term.
Faith Lutheran – Las Vegas, NV
November 2019 – The Inaugural “More Than You Think” school visit
- In the Fall of 2019, Tori, Aaron, and Patrick met together for the first time at the Lead@SMU program with a common mission to serve local school children in the area of a positive self-image and higher education aspirations
- Materials from Tori and Aaron’s prior experiences were combined to create gift pouches containing a Love Journal, activity packet, wristband, snack, and an uplifting, handwritten note
- This successful school visit to a private school in Dallas, TX has given More Than You Think a template to follow after for over 6 school districts and counting
2020-2022: Continuing in the midst of a COVID19 pandemic
- A field trip was designed for the students in the inaugural school visit to come to SMU in the Spring of 2020, however, with the pandemic, these plans were cancelled
- During the few semesters following Spring 2020, More Than You Think continued its mission largely by delivering gift pouches to schools, either by dropping them off at the school front desk or by visiting classrooms, as field trips were not an option
June 2022 – More Than You Think registers as a nonprofit
- Seeking to continue serving young students across America, the founders decided to incorporate More Than You Think as an official nonprofit 501(c)(3), registered in the state of Nevada, following Tori’s graduation of SMU.
Washoe Inspire – More Than You Think
March 2023 – The Inaugural “Success Bound” field trip
- With pandemic restrictions lifted, More Than You Think executed the original campus field trip vision, bringing approximately 65 children to the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas
- These same children were given gift pouches in-person in their school classrooms in the Fall of 2022
Urban Park – Success Bound @SMU
May 2024 – More Than You Think goes global
- Building on success in the US, More Than You Think embarks on its first international program, working to uplift Year 5 primary school students in London, United Kingdom.
May 2024 – Expanding in Texas
- More Than You Think continues dedicated to its original mission, while seeking to improve programming and outreach
- MTYT visits its first elementary school in San Antonio and delivers 60+ free gift pouches to 5th graders across 3 classrooms
Elementary School from Northside ISD in San Antonio, TX
December 2024 – Expanding school visits beyond the founders
- More Than You Think is able to continue outreach with the help of SMU volunteers, who helped create and distribute the 65+ gift pouches to 5th graders
March 2025 – More Than You Think coordinates volunteers to local community programs
- More Than You Think coordinates with SMU Community Engagement to send 2 SMU student ambassadors to a local College/Career Day
- The local elementary school really appreciated the volunteers’ poster and free SMU swag giveaway to promote future education aspirations in the young Pre-K through 5th grade scholars
