Jessie Weisner is a Grade 11 student at Lester B. Pearson High School, and she was nominated as an outstanding and proactive teenager and was recognized by Kids Up Front and Youth Central’s Pay it Forward project. Jessie has volunteered 125+ hours with the Kids Cancer Care‘s Teen Leadership Program, and puts KCC first, even with her busy work and school schedule. Jessie is super eager and has raised $2,500 (more than the requirement) to build houses in Tijuana and Ensenada, Mexico, and is an inspiring youth ambassador. I contacted Jessie online and asked her a few questions.
Me: How did you find out about the teen leadership program?
Jessie: I found out about the teen leadership program through the kids cancer care and through my older brother. My older brother was involved before me and I joined after him.
M: Are you involved in any other extracurriculars such as sports or other volunteering gigs?
J: I’ve been involved in basketball for a couple years, and I often volunteer in my community. I’m really involved in my community and whenever something goes on, I volunteer for it. I often volunteer with my friends as well.
M: What do you recommend to a first time volunteer?
J: It would be really nice to just begin volunteering at your school or at your local community center. Being surrounded by a familiar environment always helps and allows you to be really comfortable. You should just put all of your love and passion into what you’re doing, always smile, spread laughs and meet new people because you’re truly surrounded by remarkable people.
M: What characteristics and attitudes do you recommend in a volunteer?
J: I definitely recommend an attitude to spread joy. Always remember you’re where you are to help out and do what ever you can. Put all of your effort and love into what you’re doing. Have an open personality and welcome new people and new things no matter what.
M: How do you deal with balancing your job, school and volunteering?
J: It’s fairly difficult because I’m always busy, but my job is fairly flexible and my schedule often works around dates that I volunteer and all. I have two calendars for work, appointments, school events and volunteering and I make sure nothing overlaps. I check my schedules all the time, and I do end up having free time sometimes, which is nice.
M: What are some of your favourite parts of volunteering with KCC?
J: Oh this is a hard question. I definitely love the people, they’re like my second family. They radiate happiness and joy and truly make me a better person. I also love just helping out, it’s so rewarding in itself. Seeing what I’m doing (giving other people happiness) is incredible and makes me never want to stop. KCC is an amazing foundation, and I’m truly happy to be a part of it. I know what many of the families and kids involved in KCC are going through and I love being able to help with their struggle, from my experience. I’ll do anything to make these families’ lives easier.
M: What are some of the parts you could improve on, or you did improve on?
J: I’ve definitely improved on being able to handle so many things at once. I balance all of my events and I’m organized about it. I’ve also gotten a lot better at being 100% myself in all events with KCC, I don’t hold anything back.
M: How do you deal with stress?
J: I’ve had major stress issues in the past, but I’ve learned somewhat to deal with it. I make sure I don’t procrastinate and if I’m stressing about something, I really get rid of it and get it done. I also do yoga and I’m constantly listening to music so that relaxes me.
M: What are your future goals/dreams/career paths?
J: When I finish high school, I plan to continue with the KCC alumni group. I also would like to take philosophy and religion at university. I don’t have any major career paths, as I just want to travel and learn more about myself before choosing what I want to pursue for the rest of my life. Of course, I want to continue helping people and I will always do something that I love.
Thanks to Youth Central for highlighting the achievements of Jessie and her efforts with KCC, and she is wished well for the future!