Introducing the Faces of JA

The Chamber is pleased to work in partnership with Junior Achievement to profile persons in our community who have participated, volunteered or sponsored JA programmes over the years. JA is changing lives and helping to develop a new generation of youth leaders. Kaitlin Lee Pack, 16, is student at Cayman Preparatory & High School who has benefitted from JA. She is motivated and ambitious and determined to succeed in school and life. She is one of the many faces of the JA programme in the Cayman Islands.

• Why did you get involved in JA? What inspired me to join the Junior Achievement group was the experience of putting the theory of Business Studies including finance, marketing and human resources, which I learn at school, into a practical and realistic situation. Not only did this strengthen my knowledge of how the working world operates but it also increased my passion for the the enjoyment and satisfaction that accompanies being part of a global unit.
• What new skills have you learned? As President of a company, I was not only expected to perform at a high standard but I was also expected to be an influential role model in shaping the JA experience for many others. This meant that I had to learn the ropes quickly and most importantly use what I have learned to teach others. Therefore, the most important skill that I learned would be the power of teamwork; of collaborating all of our brilliant talents for the success of all. I had always thought that being a leader meant ‘deciding the final decision’ but, with gratitude to an experienced set of advisors, I quickly learnt that I meant ‘knowing how to balance a team’. This meant that I could not take full responsibility for everything because then the team is not thriving so I was taught the art of delegating in order to maximize the potential of the whole team.
• What has been your most memorable experience? The most memorable was being selected for the opportunity of a life time to travel with seven other alumni to Peterborough, Canada for the 2014 Next Generation Leadership Conference to learn, develop and teach with Junior Achievement student from around the world including countries such as Norway and India. I was fascinated at how much I had to learn about how leadership skills are developed and how we worked together very effectively once we combined our experiences and knowledge. The networking and connections that I made with each of my new friends are sure to be life long and unforgettable.

JA is a not-for-profit organisation that depends on funding and volunteers from the community to deliver its programmes. Help students to gain the skills that they need to succeed in life. Contact JA Programme Director Teresa Owen-Foster at 916-4306 or via email at [email protected] or visit their website www.jacayman.ky

IMAGE: Katilin Lee Pack

SOURCE: http://web.caymanchamber.ky/wcnews/NewsArticleDisplay.aspx?articleid=2088