“Take not for granted even the smallest of kindnesses, for time taken from the life of another, is to be treasured.”
Katie Amatangelo
Allow me to sing the praises of a young woman I've had the honor of mentoring. I’ve built a career telling stories, but Katie Amatangelo is a much more eloquent and effective storyteller than I'll ever be. Through sheer determination and diligence, she has overcome the overwhelming odds stacked against her from her first day of life. Katie was born weighing just one pound and nearly died three times in the NICU. Her frailty as a child, along with autism, created countless obstacles. But Katie plowed through, persevered and grew stronger as she faced them, head on.
Katie says “ I think everyone has challenges in their life. I did have to face my share due to the harassment at school including being left out, ignored, not included, teased, intimidated, and tormented.”
Katie handled her many disabilities and challenges through reading, writing and photography. She now hopes to utilize those skills and passions in her professional life. Katie is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts/Creative Writing and I’m confident she will plot a very successful path.
I met her via my friend, Brian Hernandez, at Phalanx Outreach Solutions who guided her storytelling internship this summer in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission. When Brian asked me to be one of her mentors, I had no idea how much this budding star would inspire me with her talent and enthusiasm for storytelling on many different platforms, and her deep desire to make a positive difference in the world.
(Pictured (L-R): Robyn Farris, Brian Hernandez, Katie Amatangelo, me, Judy Amatangelo
( Katie's mom) and Alfonso Sifuentes )
A luncheon was held recently to celebrate Katie’s accomplishments and the end of her internship. Her mom, Judy, Brian and her career coach, Robyn Farris, from the Texas Workforce Commission, joined me and another mentor, Alfonso Sifuentes, to cheer her on. In true Katie- style, she took the time to honor and thank each of us with a special plaque and sweet card reminding us of the impact we had made on her her life! I was brought to tears.
Of course, this is just the beginning for Katie. She has landed a prestigious, paid internship at Austin PBS this fall and I’m confident she will continue to shine her light and expand her skills in new and wonderful ways. We can't wait to see what you do next, Katie!!!
“Every human being upon this earth has the power within to respond to their calling, to utilize their gifts, to embark upon and develop their treasures, thus fulfilling their true purpose.”
Katie Amatangelo
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