By Elma Mujic
Contributing Writer
Working with children is important to aspiring elementary school teacher Nikki-Lynn Stevens. A senior studying childhood education at The College of Saint Rose, 21-year-old Stevens wants and hopes to be the best role model she can for children.
For the past four years, Monday through Friday, Stevens works as an activities and unit leader for various YMCA programs. Growing up with her younger brother, Corey, Stevens was familiar with kids and childcare duties before starting her job in 2011 at the YMCA in Bethlehem, NY.
Stevens helps with the Before and After Care Program for children at the YMCA. The program cares for the children from 7 to 9:30 a.m. before school, and after school from 2 to 6 p.m.
The children choose from activities such as building centers, arts and crafts, homework, dramatic play, reading centers, gym games, and snack time.
Stevens has also contributed her time to a YMCA summer camp for children. “What I love most about my job is the kids. They can honestly make my bad days into great ones very easily,” she said. “Working and helping kids is what I am most passionate about. I can truly say that I love my job through the good and the bad.”
Being a full-time student and juggling work at the YMCA can be difficult, but not for Stevens.
“She manages her time between school and work very well, and is very hard working and dedicated to her career,” said Colin Stewart, a close friend.
In her free time, Stevens enjoys spending time with her friends, watching Netflix, and going on hikes.
“As long as I have good company, I’m happy!” Stevens said.
For someone as passionate as Stevens, her experience working with children in relation to her studies can lead to achieving the job of her dreams and she finds this extremely fulfilling.
“She has great relationships with each of the kids that she works with,” said Megan Stacklum, a co-worker and roommate. “All of the kids look up to her and know that she is there for them in every aspect.”
While others may find working with children to be difficult, to Stevens children are the most interesting and most important part of her future career. The love Stevens has shown for her work has continued to inspire the people around her.
“When you work with kids you realize that it is the little things that really matter,” Stevens said.
