Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! We are excited to Get To Know BOOST Ambassador, Sheryl Blessing (She/Her).
Thank you, Sheryl, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Ambassador Sheryl Blessing (She/Her)
Sheryl is the Youth Services Recreation Supervisor for Metro Parks Tacoma in Tacoma, WA.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration.
One thing that motivates me is making sure all young people (including my grandchildren) will have opportunities to play, learn, and grow! Growing up, I did not have the best situation at home, and school/afterschool time was a saving grace for me because of the amazing adult mentors who provided a safe and youth-centered space. Due to this experience, it has become a passion of mine to ensure young people have access to enrichment opportunities.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I have an American Akita. He’s super goofy and sometimes too friendly.
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night?
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley 
Share any unique hobbies or talents.
Dancing hula, crocheting, and knitting.
Favorite animal noise?
Owl Call
What is your most treasured book to read?
Night by Elie Wiesel
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you could be any person for a day, who would you be and why?
I would like to be Mr. Rogers because I would like to learn more about how he was able to positively impact so many children through the use of media.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
This too shall pass and difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.
If you really knew me you would know that…
I have danced for a couple of award-winning hula schools.
Today for breakfast I had…
Flahavan’s Irish Oats with walnuts and Guatemalan coffee.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Sheryl, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!