BOOST is turning 15! As we approach our 15-year anniversary, we are reminded of how much we appreciate and value our TEAMBOOST partners and want to share their stories – their journeys through the in and out-of-school time field, their goals and aspirations, a few fun things about them, and some of the amazing things they are doing in their communities.
We will be spotlighting our BOOST Bloggers, Ambassadors, Leadership Team members, and Partners weekly through the end of the year to thank our outstanding team members for their contributions to our incredible community!
Meet BOOST Leadership Team Member Caitlyn Monaco
Caitlyn is a Lead Teacher at Orange Unified School District in Orange, CA. She has been a BOOST Leadership Team member with us since 2017!
How did you enter the OST, expanded learning, and/or educational field?
I have always loved children and making them smile. I knew from a young age that when I grew up I wanted to be a teacher that listened and made a difference.
What motivates you to do this work?
The fact that I make a difference and although financially I may not get paid a lot of money in this profession I get paid in hugs and pictures and I wouldn’t change it for the world. 🙂
What are you currently reading or watching?
I just finished the watching Stranger Things Series and it was very interesting to me. Being born in New York it was an eerily similar story to that of the Montauk project. I have been interested in these types of stories from a young age especially because it was only a few towns over from where I grew up and who wouldn’t want to have superpowers?!
Share some of your greatest accomplishments.
My professional accomplishment this year was maxing out on the typing test for my district. It took me a long time to perfect my typing and I was over the moon excited when I finally achieved my goal.
Personally, I have been challenging myself to do more things outside of my comfort zone. This year during spring break I went to Hawaii and went Sky Diving. It was absolutely stunning and such an amazing experience.
What are some big goals you are working toward?
I am working towards purchasing my first home and becoming a foster parent. Wish me luck! 🙂
What are your top three leadership qualities?
Positivity, Strategy, Communication
Name a leader that you admire and why?
Nikola Tesla – He paved the way for many of the technological developments of our modern times.
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
“Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, Forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.” – Dr. Seuss
As a child, what were your career aspirations?
I always wanted to be a Neonatal Nurse, teacher, and mom.
What causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about helping those in need.
What is one of the highlights of your career?
This one is a no-brainer… Being accepted into the BOOST Leadership Team. This group of individuals goes above and beyond and it shows. I can’t thank them enough for accepting me into their group and allowing me to thrive alongside them.
How do you show kindness to others and/or share ways others have shown kindness to you?
I always have extra hugs on standby for any and everyone who may need them. It’s amazing how much human connection can change how we are feeling and how a simple hug can change your outlook and your day.
What career legacy do you want to leave?
That it’s ok to be silly and have fun as long as you get the job done. Teachers are people too and some of us are just big little kids. I want the children I work with to look back and remember me as the teacher who made learning fun… Like Ms. Frizzle and the kids in Magic School Bus.
What’s the biggest mistake you made on the job and what did you learn from it?
The biggest mistake I made on the job was oversharing. I learned that when you try hard and achieve something others don’t always value your time and efforts. Sometimes others want to reap the benefits of your hard work without putting in their own and that can become frustrating at times. I learned to only share what I am willing to give away and that it’s ok to say no.
Tell us what you had for breakfast!
Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Caitlyn, for being part of our Leadership Team and sharing your story with us!