Ashlyn Bell spent most days this summer making sure area kids had a positive summer experience at the Henry County YMCA. Ashlyn is an Education Careers student at the New Castle Career Center and puts her skills to use at the Y’s summer day camps. In addition to working with the camps, she served at the front desk and in Child Watch, the service used by Y members to care for kids while their parents worked out.

“My experience at the Y helped me learn the importance of following childcare procedures and how different activities are developmentally appropriate for certain ages,” Ashlyn shared. “My favorite aspects of working with kids include learning by play and encouraging them to use creativity.”

Through her work at the Y, Ashlyn applied the knowledge she is gaining at the New Castle Career Center. She plans to use this knowledge and her experience at the YMCA as she prepares for a career as an elementary school teacher.

“Education careers has prepared me for my job at the Y by giving me classroom experience in how hands-on activities help children learn. I feel these activities can happen at any time and they show children that learning can be fun!” she exclaimed.

Kelsay Smith serves as the Program Director at the Henry County YMCA and worked alongside Ashlyn the past two summers. She recognized the impact the Education Careers program has had on Ashlyn’s work at the Y. 

“Ashlyn takes on more leadership and initiative, setting behavior expectations for the children involved in our program,” Kelsay noted. “She took time to get to know and relate to each child, which helped her manage challenging situations professionally.”

The New Castle Career Center will be sharing additional stories about how students are using their skills to serve the community. Those interested in more information about the New Castle Career Center can visit nccareercenter.org and follow the Center on Facebook.