Fifth-grader enjoys helping others learn

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” These words were written by a Roman philosopher in the days of Christ and are the words that fifth-grade student Ashlynn Wigen copies from the board into her quote journal on a day in mid December.

Her fifth-grade teacher at Skyway Elementary, Paul Jones, writes a different quote on the board each day. The class discusses its meaning and copies them into their quote journal.

“I still have my quote book from 1971,” said Jones referring to the practice he learned from one of his teachers.

For Ashlynn, the quotes are meaningful. “Mr. Jones teaches us that there’s not one thing we cannot do,” said Ashlynn, already reflecting the life lessons Jones tries to teach all his students.

It is a tradition Ashlynn will likely carry on when she becomes an elementary teacher – at least that is her career goal now at the age of 11.

She wants to teach third or fourth grade and says she enjoys helping other kids learn.

Ashlynn already shows outstanding leadership traits and is a unique individual.

“Ashlynn is a great well-rounded person who works hard in school,” said Jones.

Recently a classmate of Ashlynn’s was struggling in social studies and Jones placed Ashlynn in the student’s group and the result was amazing. Ashlynn made study cards and helped her classmate study. The student scored 100 percent on the test.

But according to Ashlynn, helping others is not anything new.

“When my little sister was a baby and was crying, I’d be the one who wanted to help,” said Ashlynn. “Whenever there are people in my class who need help, I like to do it.”

Ashlynn reads more than 230 words a minute and said reading is her favorite subject. “I especially like funny chapter books,” she said.

She credits her grandmother for giving her a love of reading.

“My grandma would read to me all the time when I was little and I actually memorized the books,” said Ashlynn. Her grandma also taught her other life lessons.

“My grandma taught me to not always think about myself,” said Ashlynn. Evidently, she has learned that lesson quite well.

Jones said that Ashlynn’s willingness to give up her time to help others is a trait not typically found in fifth-grade students. “Whatever she is asked to do, she does it. That is unique at this age level,” said Jones. “She is very intelligent and kind.”

Outside of school Ashlynn is involved in basketball and a church youth group called Awana.

“We learn about God and have music,” said Ashlynn.

She said she also enjoys playing with her friends “because they are all really goofy.”

In addition to reading, Ashlynn enjoys writing. She especially likes the assignments that allow you to choose your own topic or subject matter. She recently was given an assignment in language arts to write about someone who was a true American. Her subject was Mr. Jones.

“It was really hard because we could only use 200 words and when I started I had 300,” said Ashlynn. She condensed the essay and was left with words that move Jones to tears when he reads it.

She writes, “He is a great teacher who is very inspiring. Mr. Jones tries to get children to think about life and see how we can make the world a better place.”

But Jones sees a girl who has already learned the lessons he strives to teach his students.

“Ashlynn has potential to do something great in life,” said Jones.