Many students have a hard time finding motivation and enjoyment in school but some can find ways that work for them. One of those students is Kaylan Richardson. Richardson is a freshman here at Athens Drive who has found her passion for school and basketball through herself and the help of others.
“Something that helps motivate me is waking up in the morning and knowing that I’m able to get the education that I want and that I need to go to a college that I want to go to,” said Richardson.
Although sports is a big part of her life, so is her education. It is important to her to have a good relationship with her peers and a good support system educationally and personally.
One of these people is Literacy Coach and AVID Coordinator Taura Simmons. Simmons has enjoyed seeing Richardson grow in such a short amount of time. She helps bring brightness and intelligence to the class that reminds Simmons of why she enjoys being a teacher.
“I do appreciate seeing the light bulbs go off. Also when I can get students to not be thinking individually, but thinking about themselves as a community in that classroom, helping each other out, and adding to the class as a whole,” said Simmons.
Richardson has already made many friends and has learned so much from Simmons 2nd period class. Richardson has regard to the impact Simmons has made on her students and how much joy and passion she brings.
“I like my classmates and I’ve learned a lot from Ms. Simmons. She’s a great role model,” said Richardson.
Richardson also enjoys playing basketball and made the varsity team this year. She puts a lot of hard work and effort into basketball and hopes to build a career off of it. Richardson has also played all throughout middle school and has always been a great team leader.
“I hope she gets her dream of being in the WNBA and I hope that she will be a business person as well. I don’t know what will happen in the future but I think she has some goals that I’m eager to see if she achieves,” said Simmons.
While being very involved with basketball and personal life Richardson is also a very hardworking, creative, and kind student who enjoys helping others.
“Kaylan is organized, she does her work, and when she adds something to the class it’s thoughtful,” said Simmons.
High school can be very stressful and overwhelming in your first year. It can be difficult but after a little while you will begin to know the school better. It can help you remember how far you’ve come and how much progress you’ve made in such a short amount of time.
“Coming into a new school, meeting new people, and not really knowing anybody at first can be stressful. It’s just a new environment to get used to,” said Richardson.
Basketball and school have helped her build leadership skills, passion, and motivation for things that she loves. Surrounding herself with a good support system and environment is important to her and she hopes to always have that as she continues with her professional and personal life.
“I think sports are a big motivation for her. She loves what she does on the basketball floor and that team camaraderie. I think that sports kind of center her even in her schooling,” said Simmons.
