Volunteer Spotlight

Paige Grimm

This is my fourth-year volunteering with Junior Achievement. As a child, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always say, a teacher. I even went to school to be one, but as life often does, I was thrown a curve ball. I did not complete my degree in education, and I took a break from school. I eventually went back to earn a degree in Accounting, and I am now a Senior Accountant at ImOn Communications. While I love being an accountant, there are many times I find myself yearning to teach. Junior Achievement has given me the ability to chase that dream. I have taught lessons to a variety of age groups; while they are all different lessons, each of them gives students the opportunity to learn a valuable life skill. When I hear people say, “I wish I learned that in school” or “They need to teach that in schools” I smile, because I know Junior Achievement is doing that and I get to play a role. In the elementary classes, I not only teach students about earning, saving and spending money, but I also teach them about the role they play in their communities. At the middle school level, students are given the opportunity to explore their skills and interests. They plan out a career path and set academic and career goals. In eighth grade and at the high school level, students learn how to create, follow and update a budget. They learn skills that will assist them in being successful in whatever path they choose once they leave high school. Not only am I getting to fulfill my dream of teaching, but I also get to see students build their future careers and lives. I help them understand that creating and sharing goals will both hold them accountable and start building important networks. I love sharing the lessons I have learned throughout my personal journey. Letting students know that sometimes life will give them a challenge, but there is always a solution. To reach out for help when it is needed, and that asking for help is okay. Finally, helping them determine what success means and showing them how they can achieve it.

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