Ms. Smiley is one of our amazing part-time staff members that works with our Tennis-n-Tutoring students! She joined our team last school year and has shown our students the true meaning of support and guidance.
Q: What inspired you to join MWYF as a staff member?
I am a student at the University of North Florida in the Criminal Justice track and was introduced to the Foundation through this program. Knowing that I want to work in the juvenile justice system, I thought that working here would be a great place to start! I’m able to work with children hands-on and learn ways to help kids that sometimes don’t have the complete support that they should.
Q: Can you share a specific moment Where You Left a positive impact?
There’s moments everyday that leave a lasting impression on me, but a big one that I know will stick with me forever is a student I had in one of my classes last year who was more shy and reserved than my other students. I worked with him one-on-one frequently throughout the school year to bring him out of his shell and help him be more comfortable with himself. By the end of the year there was a huge difference from the kid who walked into my class on the first day and thinking about that will always warm my heart.
Q: What would you say is a significant challenge for our youth? How do We work together to address any challenges?
I think children today face a lot of problems with society, not just with their home lives. Motivation to succeed for themselves can be lacking in some of our students. Facing societal standards can be really hard and being able to help guide them through that is so impactful. We work together to fill any needs that might not be met at home from emotional skills to homework help and that can change the trajectory of our youth’s futures.
Q: Is there any advice you would give someone who wants to make an impact on youth like you?
Patience! Kids will be kids and sometimes they don’t understand that you have to do the tough work to succeed. Every day is a new day for each kid and walking in with a smile each day to be a safe person for them is so important.
Q: How do you believe you contribute to our mission?
My part of MWYF’s mission of building champions in classrooms, on tennis courts, and throughout communities is in the classroom. I help motivate them to work hard in school and remind them we’re in this together. Being supportive of their success, no matter how big or small keeps their momentum moving forward not just in academics, but in all aspects of their lives.
Q: What Message do you want to leave with our youth?
Everyone has their own special powers! I hope each child knows that they have their own unique skills to thrive off of and even though we’re all different, we all have our own personal toolbox.
