#SoaringToSuccess: Kahajen Smith Discovers Strengths and Embraces Growth

“In my internship, I learned the importance of patience, and I’ve been working on that ever since,” shared Kahajen Smith ’25, a Psychology and Human Services major. “I’m applying that across people in general and pausing to get a grasp on a situation before acting. I want to be mindful, especially around kids.”

This was one of the big takeaways for Smith following his internship last summer at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center Youth Summer Day Camp in Ithaca, New York. The mission of the camp, according to the Activities Center website, is to facilitate recreational, educational, and cultural programs that strive to promote a sense of unity among children of all backgrounds. Smith shadowed camp leaders as they led age-based groups of children in playing games, singing, hiking, and more.

For Smith, the internship helped to clarify what excites him about working with kids and, at the same time, provided him insights about himself as he prepares to leave college and seek a career.

“Overall, the internship was a first gateway for me to be myself and understand where I want to take this,” he said. By “this,” he explained, he meant himself and his education as he journeys “with God guiding his steps.”

“I’m still unsure where I want to go after school, but I know that God has big plans for me,” he shared, adding that he enjoys working with kids and wants to incorporate them into his future career. One thing he learned at the Camp was how much he enjoyed working with kids ages 12 to 14.

Smith began his internship by observing the leaders who worked with younger children. However, once he got to know the 12- to 14-year-olds, he was hooked.

“I stayed with them throughout the rest of the internship,” he explained.

For Smith, the 12-14 group, which mainly included boys, was active. They went on hikes, they always wanted to be outside, and they played games like kickball. These were things he could relate to. And when he saw them let their guards down, it “warmed his heart.”

“There was a spot we hiked to where the scenery was beautiful,” he related. “We had a guide on the hike, and she was really into nature. One of the kids was a bit harder to deal with, but she got through to him. It was great just to see him trying to pick up plants and bugs.”

“There were a few kids who opened up and talked to me. They were able to express themselves. However, the one boy was often misunderstood. But one of the counselors and I would talk to him, and we could see there wasn’t an actual problem, but that the kid needed help with talking to the other kids.”

“It sparks joy when you can see kids not able to interact one week then the next week playing together.”

Smith credits lessons from the classroom for helping him connect with the kids.

“I can see how my communication is more fluent,” he shared. “My major has allowed me to communicate better with younger kids. I’ve learned to be more flexible and that there isn’t one direct approach when interacting with people. I’ve learned to pay more attention to each person and value what they can share, no matter their age or circumstance. I thank God for this opportunity to be able to grow. He truly allowed for me to begin to sprout.”

Smith gave an example of learning how to play a card game from one of the kids at the camp. He realized that everyone has knowledge to share and he better values what people can teach him.

Although his trajectory after graduation remains uncertain, Smith said he feels better equipped to explore outside of his comfort zone and possibly move somewhere entirely new. He adds, “God is currently creating a pathway for me and will provide me with opportunities to continue to grow and connect with others.”

Smith’s time at the camp reinforced his passion for mentorship and personal growth, leaving him with a clearer vision of the kind of impact he hopes to make. With faith as his guide, he’s ready to embrace whatever comes next.