At GEN, it’s already the time of year to begin registration for our next Pathfinder Leadership Summit the week of June 13th! We were thrilled to see that one of last year’s participants, Kayla, a current Sophomore at Akins in South Austin, has already reached out, interested in another summer with Pathfinder!
This summer, Kayla found a program she loved and connected with mentors and other girls. We thought it would be a great time to catch up with her and to get more insight about her experience last summer and what she hopes for this year.
Kayla on the last day of the 2015 Summit
GEN: Can you tell everyone a little more about yourself?
Kayla: Yes, I go to Akins and I am a sophomore this year. I like to run, volunteer, and dance. I’m on the track team, student council and I’m applying for internships through school.
GEN: Awesome! What was your favorite thing about Pathfinder last summer?
Kayla: My favorite thing would have probably been meeting all the new people and being able to come in contact with people from different workplaces because I was able to get helpful advice and tips from them.
Kayla at a speed mentoring session in June 2015
GEN: We saw you’re already getting signed up to come back this summer, which is exciting. Teen girls have so many ways they could spend their summer breaks. Why is Pathfinder back on your agenda this year?
Kayla: I would like to come back so I can learn more about getting ready for college and I would like to meet more new people. I also believe the advice can take me a long way and I would love to go through the different workshops again.
GEN: Cool! We want to make sure the Pathfinder has everything girls will need and we’re working with women in the community now to build this year’s program content. What’s something you’d like to learn more about?
Kayla: I’d like to learn more about time management again, tips on getting ready to apply for colleges, learning how to communicate with others, and also learn more about running businesses or people who practice mental health.
GEN: What would you tell a girl who is sort of interested in Pathfinder but isn’t sure if she should sign up?
Kayla: I would tell her it is veryyyyyy helpful and beneficial! In the program you are able to interact and meet great people which can take you a long way. I also would tell them that they will learn a lot that will help them in the process of college readiness.
Kayla and the whole 2015 Pathfinder Leadership Summit Class on their trip to Dell
GEN: How have you used some of the skills you gained at Pathfinder this school year so far?
Kayla: I’ve used the communication skills I gained since the program. It is easier for me to talk to new people and interact with others and I also have been good with managing my time the best way I can.
GEN: Awesome, thanks so much Kayla! As our last question, tell everyone what you’d like to do in the future.
Kayla: As a career, I would like to become a psychologist or a school counselor!
