Katelyn became a Club member when she was 9 years old. Her mom was looking for an affordable place for Katelyn and her brothers to go while she was at work. Katelyn started her Club journey at a Club in Greely, but she ended up at Loveland-Pulliam Club because it was closer to where her mom worked. In 2016, she was chosen as County-Wide Youth of the Year!
Did you have a favorite program, activity, or space at Club?
What I loved the most and found the most helpful were the educational and leadership programs. I was a big fan of Lunchtime Reading, Jeopardy, SMART Girls, and Torch Club and Keystone. I was also very into anything involving the Art Room. I think it was also great to have so many sports available just for fun.
Did any leadership opportunities at the Club (like Keystone, Torch Club, or Youth of the Year) influence the kind of person you are today?
Participating in these leadership opportunities absolutely influenced who I am. Youth of the Year helped me develop public speaking, interviewing, and networking skills that I’ve carried with me through to today. Torch Club and then Keystone were the foundations for leadership that I’ve built upon since. There’s been several instances where I’ve looked back on my experiences to help me, i.e. small things like leading group projects in school to leading my team as a Charge Nurse or committee leader now.
Did anything you learned at Club contribute to your path into adulthood?
After leaving Club, I finished high school, went to Howard University to get my BSN, and then moved back to Colorado, and now work as an RN at Poudre Valley Hospital. At the Club, we talked about our dreams a lot and for me, it always focused on going to college to do something in healthcare. With the help of Club, I was able to attend job fairs and got lots of help in finding out what it would take to get where I wanted to go (through my mentors, Keystone meetings and conferences).
Was there a staff member, mentor, or volunteer who made a lasting impact on you? What did they do or say that stuck with you?
I had many over the years that I’m very thankful I got the chance to know. The Educational Directors (Christy Doyon and Ashley Prow) were great at fostering my love of reading and learning, and then later the Teen Directors (Ashley and Christian Covington) helped me grow into a leader and find the path to college. It was also great to participate in a program that someone started because they were passionate, and then easy to learn and take with me things like how to cook an amazing grilled cheese.
In what ways did the Club help you develop emotional skills or confidence during challenging times?
I had a great support system at Club, and they taught me that it’s always okay to ask for help or resources whenever I need them. No one knows everything, and that’s helped me be more confident in dealing with challenging things as I just have to know who to ask or where to look.
What was the most fun or joyful memory you have from your time at Club?
I have so many, it’s hard to choose! I think playing Gaga Ball and card games, my week at Camp Educo, or the SMART Girls Lock-Ins would have to be at the top.
What lessons or values from the Club have stayed with you into adulthood?
I still value leadership and teamwork, knowledge, and service to others greatly today. A big lesson that’s stayed with me is that being well-rounded includes fun as well as the important stuff like school/work.
As the organization celebrates 40 years, what message would you share with today’s Club members?
Club is a great place to make friends, find mentors, and have fun. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. Club gave me so many great memories and opportunities and helped me find and achieve my goals. It’s a great place!