the impact of being a leader

As Audrey Watkins walks into the kindergarten classroom she interns for, she feels a rush of happiness as the little kids all rush to greet her. It’s valentine’s day and her kindergarten class is having a valentine day themed party. Before she came that morning, “they made me personal valentine’s day cards”. Filled with stickers, glitter, and paper heart cutouts, Watknis realizes “what a crucial part of my life kids were and how much I loved being with them”. As Watkins spent the year with the same group of kids, interning for Ms. Parratto’s program. She built bonds with all of the kids and spent time playing with them. Throughout her four years of high school, she finally felt what it was like to be a role model for younger kids and remember her elementary years. “I felt so good and happy. I was so grateful that I was able to have the opportunity to feel like this and be a part of something so amazing”. The highlight of her high school years was being able to give back to the community and be able to be a part of influencing the youth and sharing her kindness and compassion with them. Searching for potential careers and pathways, Watkins takes what she has learned through her internship and “this moment changed how she viewed her future and made her realize that she does want to work with kids therefore I am forever grateful”. High school is the time for figuring out what passions fit for you and has a huge impact on the future of individuals. For Watkins, she feels immense happiness working with children and she is thankful for the opportunities she has had. “Everyday I go to class excited to spend time with them and be a part of building their future.” The moments Audrey will remember and cherish forever from high school are the memories in her Valley View Elementary school kindergarten classroom.