THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 25, 1995 TAG: 9510240588
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
WHEN JASON BOOTH started college four years ago at Christopher Newport University, he thought he wanted to be a businessman.
But then he thought again: Maybe psychology would be the ticket.
Finally, this 21-year-old surfer from Carrollton says he realized he couldn't sit behind a boring desk each day at work. He had to be where energy and life spring from a room, some place where he could be challenged - and challenge others.
Booth believes he'll find all that and more teaching middle school children after his college graduation next year.
``I want to do something for the community. I want to provide a stable learning atmosphere for kids. I want them to have fun while they get an education.
``The teachers I had didn't get through to me like they should have. They just wanted to pass the students. Somewhere along the line, the standards dropped. I want to bring the old standards back.''
In the meantime, Booth directs the Kinder Soccer program for children ages 3 to 5 at the Smithfield YMCA, and he helps with the after-school program at Carrollton Elementary School.
Young kids challenge him, he says.
``Kids have so much energy and they're so full of life. They keep my endurance up. They keep me going.''
Name: Jason Booth
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? My parents moved here when I was 2. They wanted to get away from the big city of Newport News and live in the country.
Birthdate/hometown: Aug. 20, 1974/Carrollton
What's your fondest childhood memory? Learning how to swim.
Marital status: Single
What was your first job/worst job? McDonald's/all jobs have taught me great lessons in life.
Occupation: YMCA counselor and YMCA Kinder Soccer director.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? Professional surfer, soccer player.
What's your favorite hangout? Nags Head
Favorite night out on the town? Olive Garden and a movie with my girlfriend.
Favorite food/drink: Italian/margaritas
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Hawaii - North Shore
I can't resist: Any chance to surf.
Few people know that . . . I am an R.E.M. fanatic.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Pay my college loan, invest and party.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Don't choose a career for the money. Choose it because it makes you happy.
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? My interest and ability to work with young people.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? I'm just happy being myself.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Directing the soccer program for Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation and starting the first YMCA Kinder Soccer program in Smithfield.
Something you wish to say, but haven't: Everybody should try something new and bold. Life's too short to let chances pass you up. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
YMCA Kinder Soccer director Jason Booth instructs Nicole Hackett on
some of the finer points of the game.
by CNB