By Kailyn Huynh
Freshman Katherine Rasmussen has the kind of energy that just draws you in.
While she may be entering her first year of high school, her smile is no stranger to the Fountain Valley community. Part of Senate, the girls’ field hockey team, and now Baron Banner, Rasmussen expresses her excitement to meet new people and learn about the different stories that surround her.
Rasmussen joins Baron Banner as a writer, while also expressing her interest in photography. She explains how her passion for writing developed from a young age. When she was just 10, Rasmussen published a children’s book as part of her Girl Scout troop project.
Girl Scouts has always played a large role in Rasmussen’s life and, despite the fact that many have become less involved as they grow older, Rasmussen has continued to stay dedicated, serving the community through this organization.
One specific memory Rasmussen recalls was when she went to a dog shelter, helping bring donations so that they could provide food, beds and toys to the animals.
“Girl Scouts has definitely taught me firsthand how to get involved in the community, host events and also to just give back,” Rasmussen said.
Her outgoing personality might make it seem like she was born to lead; however, as Rasmussen described she was once timid and afraid to speak up.
It was her previous experiences and opportunities that helped to develop her current sense of personality.
“I feel like all the experiences I have with people, they all shape me,” Rasmussen said. “I feel like a piece, a person builds who I am and it really helps because of all the advice they give me and their input.”
Like Girl Scouts, leadership opportunities within middle school, such as PAL and ASB, as well as her current involvement in Senate, have inspired Rasmussen to find her place within the community.
“I think [these opportunities] just helped me to be a leader in general and [to] make sure that everyone, [and] how they’re feeling, [is] being heard,” Rasmussen said. “That everyone’s ideas are being considered.”
Although this may just be the beginning for Rasmussen, she clearly has a lot in store.
As she prepares to tackle this new journey, there’s one thing that Rasmussen keeps in mind.
“What I want to give back to the community is to help people out and let them know I’m there for them,” Rasmussen said.