Youth Leadership Interview questions

Describe an obstacle you faced and how you overcame it/a challenge/adversity?

A huge obstacle I faced was moving from Cincinnati Oh to here in Augusta halfway through my freshman year. It was a huge change for me and my family. I had to leave all my friends behind that I have been friends with since 2nd grade. And go into a school where people have been friends since kindergarten. It was a whole new environment and I moved a week before going to a brand new school. The whole community was very different and it was hard having to start brand new halfway through. I had no friends and didn't know the routes of the school. But I put myself out there and reached out to people. I made new friends very quickly and became involved. It was a very big change in my life and a huge obstacle I had to overcome. But now I have been here for a year and now Augusta feels like home.

How do you study

Finding a good way to study is very important to succeed in any class. I study a lot ahead of time for my classes. I usually like to find a quiet place to study whether that's my screen porch or my room. I like to make flashcards or quizlets to get all of the information down. If I know that I have a test later in the week I make sure to start studying a little bit each day, just so I don't do things at the last minute. I like to study independently but also with my twin sister. Since I have many of the same classes as her it's nice to share ideas and get information from each other. It's nice to have someone quiz you and I think it's a very effective way to study

Any questions for us?

How will I stay connected with you even after this is over?

What personal/and or academic accomplishment are you most prod of and why?

I am most proud of making the world finals for Highland dance. I placed 4th in my age group against all of the girls whom do highland dance. It was a huge accomplishment for me as I practiced every day for multiple hours to work up to get that good. I had to practice and self-motive myself to stay at that world-class level. It was a lot of dedication as I had to miss out on hanging with my friends and also school. I went to many competitions all around the world including the US, Canada, and Europe. I also had an injury days before the world championships and I wasn't sure If I could go out and dance, but I persevered and danced because I knew I worked to hard to give up. All of my hard work finally paid off and I met my goal. Highland dance taught me a lot and gave me lots of life skills. I had to sacrifice a lot to get to that level.

Why did you apply for youth leadership/why do you want to be apart of youth leadership?How

I applied because some of my friends did youth leadership last year and in the years previous, they told me how much this experience has impacted them and their lives. They told me it's an experience I don't want to miss out on. I want to get more involved with the community since I did recently move here. I want to learn about the people in it and the working parts of it. And how that all works together. I want to make this community a better place to live in. I think being a part of something that is for the greater good would make me grow as a person and a leader. I would take away lots from it, as in friendships. I'm open to all friendships whether that's with the leaders or peers. I want to meet new people and learn about them and gain more knowledge about how to be a better leader from them. I learn a lot more by being hands-on and being a part of something like this is very hands-on. It really shows you what the community is like and how to make it better. Also with all the days coming up, I can learn a lot to help me with my future and what I want to do.

What's unique about you?

I got 4th place at the world championships for Highland dance. and also 3rd 2 times at the national championships for highland dance. Highland dance is a type of dance that originated in Scotland and I have done it ever since I was 4. It is a very competitive and intense type of dance. I had to sacrifice a lot to get to the level that I was. I practiced every day for multiple hours. It was very hard on my body but I kept working hard no matter what. I became very good and kept working. The world championships are in Scotland and it's where all the highland dancers of the world are allowed to compete to qualify for the world championships. I competed against the girls in my age group and came out number 4. It was a very relieving experience knowing that all my hard work paid off in the end. Also being able to get number 3 two times was an amazing experience.

Tell me about yourself?

My name is Ashlynn MacKinnon. I just wanted to thank all of you for this opportunity today before I start. I am a sophomore at Lakeside and I just recently moved to Augusta about a year ago, halfway through my freshman year. I moved from Cincinnati Ohio. I have also lived in Canada and Arizona. I am also a dancer at Kane and Company Productions. I am on the elite competition team where we go to lots of competitions including regionals and nationals. I used to do a certain type of dance called Highland dance and I was also on a high school dance team back in Cincinnati. I love to stay fit and will continue to do that by trying out for flag football next year at Lakeside. I am also involved in many of the school's clubs and clubs outside of school. That includes young life and Stevens creek student ministries on Wednesday nights. I am also involved in Beta club, buddy club, NHS, SNHS where In will be the secretary next year, and student council.

One time you went above and beyond?

One time I went above and beyond was when my mom had a

3 words to describe yourself?

Three words I would use to describe myself would be responsible, ambitious, and hardworking. I am very responsible because I am always on task and have control over situations. I also have independent-decision making skills. I am ambitious which means I am very determined to succeed and achieve my goals. I am also very hardworking as in I always try to do my best no matter the circumstances. I am a very diligent person.

What is a time when you were a leader/ what leadership positions/How have you been a leader?

I have been a leader in past jobs and events. I have been a dance teacher's assistant which is when I was with a group of 15 3-5 yr olds. I helped the girls learn choreography and helped them keep focus. It was pressure since sometimes the parents were watching, but I kept my focus on helping them and teaching them the steps. I was being a leader by guiding them on how to do the steps while also being positive. Lastly, I was involved with the Special Olympics at my school. It was a part of the buddy club, which I am in. I was assigned to a student and I was able to encourage and help him get pumped and ready to do whatever game was next. I made sure he didn't run away or get lost and kept him on track. It was a lot of responsibility but It made all the students so happy to be able to do something new and different from what they are used to. It was a great experience and taught me how to be a positive leader.

How have you been involved in the community

I have been involved with the community by being a part of the tartan reveal for Augusta University. I was able to bring the community together by giving a highland dance performance. Over 100 people came to see the new tartan for Augusta University and also see me and my sisters perform our dance. We learned this choreography through skype lessons from our dance teacher, It was a lot of work but I was dedicated since I was doing it for a good cause. It made my dad very proud and the people loved the dance. It was a great way to bring people together and make Augusta University a more lively place.

What are your hobbies?

I have many hobbies including reading and art but my main hobby is dance. I have danced ever since I was 4. I started out doing a highland dance that originated in Scotland. I used to dance at a world-class level but now I just take lessons. Highland dance was very intense with the practices and competitions. I went to one every other week and had to sacrifice a lot for it.

what are some qualities you possess/ unique traits

I have many qualities that could be a great asset to youth leadership. I am very determined, outgoing, and hardworking. I know what it takes to be a leader from my experiences. When I have done highland dance I learned lots of life lessons on how to be self-motivated and hardworking which has been affected by schoolwork. I have gained lots of skills from dance including teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice. Also, moving from Cincinnati I have great communication skills.

What do you already know about this organization/anything about the program?

I know that this organization makes young people into young leaders by getting them involved with the community and learning about all of the working parts of it. It motivates young leaders to become a more active part of the community through hands-on experience. It gives them new friendships and also teamwork experiences. It makes a big impact on the community by helping people and making it a better place to live in. This organization is for the better of the world by making an impact on it.

What are your academic goals moving forward in the next 5 years?

I want to graduate and get honor cords. I want to keep my grades up and continue to work hard to get into a good college like Georgia. I would love to get into the medical field and work with senior citizens. I love to work with them and I have always loved to help people so I think combining my passion with helping others would be exactly what I would want to do. Whether that's in pharmacy, being a geriatrician, or an OT. I haven't fully figured it out, but I know that I want to go in that direction. My father was a pharmacist and he's inspired me to go down that road. But now he is the provost at Augusta University so I think If I were to start out as a pharmacists I could keep going higher up. I'm taking intro and it's the medical career path.

How would you be an asset to youth leadership/what could you offer/ why are you a good candidate/applicant?

I would be a great asset to youth leadership since I am very outgoing and I have had lots of experience giving back to the community. I think with my skills and talents I could give a lot. I am very hands-on and would put 100% effort into everything I do. I would be very dedicated to youth leadership and do everything in my power to do things to the best of my ability. I would be able to work very well with others and do my job as a part of the team. I would be able to listen to others and communicate well to get things done. Since I am on the elite competitive dance team at Kane and Co, I know how to be a team player and work well with a group of people. I have learned how to be a great leader from many experiences I have had. Being a dance teacher assistant also special olympics. I would be a very positive influence on everyone and do my best to encourage people. I will always have a smile on my face. I know I could offer a lot to youth leadership since I have lived in lots of different places and communities. I have been involved in lots of things for the school and outside of it, so I know how to be a good leader. Like special Olympics, I was a leader. Also in past jobs like being a nanny, babysitter, and assistant for dance classes. I have been able to take control if the students have a short attention span. I took them under my wing and was able to be a great role model for them.team player

What are some weaknesses you have/what are your weakness?

My greatest weakness is including others. Looking back before my move from Cincinnati, I notice that I didn't include others as much should have. But now, since I have personally gone through being left out in things. And not been invited to things since I was the new kid. I know what that feels like to not be included, and it doesn't feel good. I would definitely include people now if I saw someone sitting alone or feeling left out. When people started inviting me to events it felt really good and I want others to feel the same way I did. Just by inviting people to sit with you could change their whole day. You can make a huge impact on people just by including them. That's why I am still working on this weakness and improving it. Now I have a lot of empathy for people.

Who would you want to sit down with for lunch/who is your hero?

My hero has to be my great-grandfather. He was a very cool and amazing person. He was a veteran and also a Knights Templar. knights templars are a secret service where they helped people out for the better. He always did things for the greater good and helped many people out. He went to school until he was 80. He inspires me to keep going and also to continue to help people just as he did.

do you read?

Yes, between school and sports I would like to find more time to read. I think reading helps you gain more knowlege and it's a distraction from your life. I really like going to a comfy area of my house and snuggle up with a good book and read. It distracts me and it helps me be more calm and relaxed. I like books with deep meaning because they can relate to your own life and give you life advice. My favorite book is wonder......school book is count of monte cristo...

3 words your friends would describe you as?

funny, thoughtful, and bubbly. Funny because I always try to make my friends smile and make their days better. Thoughtful because I'm always there for my friends and make sure that if they are having a bad day I cheer them up. And bubbly because I am a very outgoing and I'm a happy person.

How would a teacher describe you?

organized, strong work ethic, and attentive.

what are some of your strengths?

Some strengths I possess would be that I am responsible and ambitious, I have really great communication and problem-solving skills as well am respectful, dependable, hardworking, responsible, dedicated to the task at hand, and passionate about all the things I tackle. I am very responsible as I always get my work done and do it to the best of my ability. I am a very hard worker as I put 100% into anything that I am doing. I also am able to adapt to situations very quickly. When I moved to Augusta from Cincinnati, Ohio I was able to adapt to the new environment and school very quickly. It was very scary being put into a whole new school halfway through my freshman year. But, I was able to adapt and make new friends very fast by getting involved with the school's extracurriculars by joining clubs. Also by reaching out to people, and not being scared to do so. I also do very well in group settings. I listen to others but also communicate and make sure to add my opinion. I am a team player and love to work together to make a final product. I'm a firm believer that with a large team that works together anything can get done. So, I love working with a team of people.dance team I know how to work well with a group o people

How do you manage your time

That's a very good question because time management is a skill that you will need throughout your entire life. Time management is very important to me because if I'm busy and have a lot going on things pile up. But if I have time management and get the things done that are the most important or critical I won't be as stressed. Between dance school and extracurricular activies, my schedule and pile up but, I like to use my calendar to write down important dates or tests coming up. I make sure to plan everything and be organized.

Who is an important historical figure for you?

The first woman in America to receive a medical degree, Elizabeth Blackwell championed the participation of women in the medical profession and ultimately opened her own medical college for women.

What book did you read last?

The last book I read was a wonder. I have always loved this book and have read it many times. It's about a boy with a facial deformity and how he starts going to a new school with bullies but also kind children. It's about kindness, acceptance, and seeing the beauty all around us. It shows the power of kindness and reading it has had a huge impact on me. It's made me a kinder person.