Leading By Example

West Ashley High School junior Kathleen “Kate” Buda was excited and surprised when she found out she was selected as the Student of the Month. “I take it as an honor because I’ve only been here since the beginning of this year,” says Buda. “Kate is an enthusiastic student that puts forth her best effort on every assignment,” says teacher Kandi Young. “I strive to do my best in all I do in academics, after school, and in communication with others,” says Buda.
Buda just moved to Charleston from Greenville and is grateful that her transition to a new school has been easy. “When I first came here, I had to widen my horizon because West Ashley High is a lot different than my last school,” she says.  Being new to the school, Buda decided that it was important for her to be involved in as many community and extracurricular activities as possible. She participates in Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), DECA, Interact Club, and Young Life.
She’s met a lot of people through these groups, some of whom have become her good friends at WAHS. Although Buda thrives for academic success, she admits one of her weaknesses is talking with her friends too much during class. But, Buda says at least one of her teachers sees this as a strength rather than a weakness. “She shows strong leadership in the classroom and does her best to help others,” says Young. “She is always positive and is a great role model.”
It’s easy to be a good role model for others if someone has been a good role model to you. This is definitely the case for Buda. “I look up to my mom for doing all she does for me, helping me through tough stuff, and pushing me to become what I want to be,” says Buda. “I admire her for what she’s done for my brother and me.”
Buda plans to pursue a career in athletic training thanks to the encouragement of her mother and a former chemistry teacher. “I had a really good chemistry teacher last year,” says Buda. “She gave me that push to really explore the medical field.”
She was attracted to athletic training because it is a career that will allow her to be there for the patients during emergencies and for the follow up. “You get to assess the situation and be there for rehab,” says Buda. She loves the fact that during rehab she will be able to build relationships and really get to know her patients.
In 10 years, Buda sees herself as a wife with children and a professional career as an athletic trainer. As for now, before the career, husband, and children Buda is content spending her free time hanging out with friends, going for a run, listening to music, or binge-watching one of her favorite shows on Netflix.