Ally Loter graduated from UCA in May 2025 with a major in innovation and entrepreneurship. She loves photography, videography, and graphic design, and she is forever a PBS kid at heart!
A Day in the Life of a PBS KID
It’s the fall of 2010. I’m in my living room, a bowl of Froot Loops cereal in my lap, and the sun is slowly rising. I woke up a bit earlier than I had to so that I could watch my favorite show – “Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman.” Later, at school, my classmates and I watched “Super Why!” before heading home, where “Martha Speaks” and “Arthur” played on the TV in the background as I played with my younger sister.
Looking back, these are the moments I remember most. Sharing what I learned from PBS with my family and friends brought me pure joy. My fiancé and I went to elementary school together, and when we reflect on that time, the main thing that we remember is watching PBS during inside recess. I’m not exaggerating when I say that most of my love for learning came from these shows—and I know I’m not alone in that sentiment. I’d argue that the 2000s were the “golden age” of PBS, though I’m sure every generation has its version of this claim.
These shows have such a beautiful nostalgia around them. They provide something truly unique and special for each of our developing minds, and they spark our sense of curiosity about the world around us.
The Shows That Shaped Me
● "Arthur" taught me how to navigate childhood challenges.
● “Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman” empowered me to think outside of the box.
● “Martha Speaks” taught me the power of language.
● “Super Why!” built my literacy skills and my confidence.
Why PBS Kids Still Matters Today
When I heard, “This program was made possible by viewers like you. Thank you!” I thought 7-year-old me was being thanked for watching the show. Now I realize just how important it was that people were contributing to PBS because it made my love for learning possible. Although I graduated in May, my love for learning will never end, and it's all thanks to the people who fund PBS KIDS and those who work to keep it going. Knowing the resources that were available to me are still influencing the lives of kids today is a special thing.
“When I was very young, most of my childhood heroes wore capes, flew through the air or picked up buildings with one arm. They were spectacular and got a lot of attention. But as I grew, my heroes changed, so that now I can honestly say that anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.” – Fred Rogers.
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