By Paris Braggs
Kaitlyn Poole, a 17-year-old upcoming senior at Highland Bluff High School, sat at her desk with her favorite blue, pink and black pencils ready as she opened her journal. Her bedroom, with its cozy bed and natural lighting, was her preferred spot for putting pencil to paper to process her inner thoughts. Poole sat in her bed and grabbed her pencil. As she began to start her daily journaling, the teenager reflected on the rollercoaster of life that had molded her into the young woman she is today.
Poole started participating in track starting in 8th grade. Over time, however, she found that she did not truly enjoy the sport, despite taking on the challenge of hurdles in 10th grade. Her passions instead lay in the calming act of coloring and the therapeutic nature of journaling.
The high-school student’s educational journey passed through several different schools, from Northwest Rankin to Gary Road to Oak Forest and finally to Highland Bluff High School, which she now attends. Poole adapted to each new environment, though she admits that she did not always enjoy the school experience.
Poole shared that Northwest Rankin Elementary was her least favorite of the schools she attended because she didn’t have many friends there and was bored. Despite the challenges, Poole stayed determined. As she prepares for her senior year, she offers words of wisdom to others struggling with frequent school changes. “When you get older, you’re gonna know a lot of people from different places, which gives you opportunities, which allows you to meet other people rather than just the people at your school you’ve been to all your life,” she says.
The one constant in the young woman’s life is her tight-knit family. She lives with her mother, stepfather and younger brother. Poole and her brother, Chance Smith, have a 10-year age gap. Despite the generational difference, Poole feels a strong sense of responsibility to guide and support her sibling because she knows she will be a grown woman by the time he graduates.
Academically, Poole has always been a smart student, though she acknowledges that she could succeed further if she truly applied herself. Her passion for helping others has led her to dream of becoming a social worker, a goal since childhood. She is also considering nursing believing it can provide financial stability. And today’s stylish scrubs won’t hurt.
Poole’s path took a turn when her boyfriend’s mother recommended she sign up for the Youth Media Project so she can create new opportunities for herself. Eager to step out of her comfort zone and improve her writing skills, the former track star decided to join, hoping to come out of her shell and learn more about herself in the process. “You can meet new people who can put your foot in the door,” she said of YMP. She added that the program is tied to her future professional aspirations: “I can learn how to talk.”
As Poole prepares for her senior year, she feels a mix of excitement and anticipation. She knows that embracing new challenges are essential for her growth and development. With her family’s support and her own determination, the high school student is ready to forge her own path and make a positive impact on the world.
