Volunteering is often seen as a way to simply give back, but for Kylie Castleman, it has meant so much more. Her story is one of growth, shaped by her personal goals and values.
Kylie, a first year Walla Walla University student, has volunteered multiple times, working with kindergarten students by preparing materials, assisting as a teacher's aide, and supervising recess. Her goal was to become comfortable in a classroom and gain problem-solving and communication skills-and she achieved more than expected. "I didn't expect to gain a lot, but I ended up gaining so much," Kylie shares.
Her mother, Jennifer Castleman who's a teacher, and mentor Holly Bryant inspired her passion for education. Holly's encouragement and promise of a future job solidified Kylie's dedication to teaching. Growing up with a teacher for a mother gave Kylie confidence in classrooms, which she refined through volunteering.
She improved her problem-solving abilities and discovered a sense of purpose, realizing her potential to shape young minds. Kylie volunteered weekly for about a month and looks forward to more opportunities. She sees volunteering as a vital step toward her long-term goal of a teaching career.
For Kylie, volunteering is a calling. "Just do it! Volunteering is amazing. You can make a difference, no matter how big or small," she says. Her faith also guides her, for she sees volunteering as a way to show love and serve her community.
Kylie Castleman's journey highlights the transformative power of volunteering. It has prepared her for a teaching career while deepening her sense of purpose and faith. For Kylie, volunteering is a meaningful step toward shaping the future-one student at a time.
