Jessie Truong’s trajectory at Team Read is a testament to the varied experiences available to local teens. Jessie, a junior at Franklin High School in Seattle, is beginning her fourth year working with Team Read, and her third as a Site Assistant. After joining us as a volunteer coach in 8th grade, Jessie quickly learned the ropes and took on a leadership position as a freshman, helping to keep her program site running smoothly and leading the professional development conversations with her fellow coaches.
Jessie has had a variety of experiences, working both school-year and summer programs at South Shore and John Muir Elementary schools, as well as in the Yesler Terrace and High Point housing communities. “I’ve been all over the place!” she exclaims. This year, Jessie will join us as the Site Assistant at Kimball Elementary. In addition to her work at several program sites, Jessie volunteered her graphic design skills, and helped with social media and volunteer recruitment over the summer.
When asked to think about how her time with Team Read has helped prepare her to meet her future goals, Jessie reflects that she’s appreciated the opportunity to take initiative and become a leader. “I have been able to problem solve and think quicker on my feet when an issue occurs. My patience has grown a lot compared to when I first started.”
For all our coaches, balancing a part-time job with schoolwork and other activities can be a challenge. Jessie says it’s the readers and her fellow coaches who keep her motivated. “Every day is a new day, and I always happen to learn something new every day when bonding with the readers and coaches.”
If Jessie could recommend one book to her fellow coaches, it would be The Midnight Library, a fantasy novelby Matt Haig. “It shows the main character being able to read all sorts of books about herself and explore all the different personalities she could’ve had.”
Everyone who has worked with Jessie agrees that she is creative, hard-working, and fun to be around. We’ve loved seeing her grow along with the program these last four years and we’re excited to see what her future holds. Thank you, Jessie, for being a Team Read Super Star!