NORTH LITTLE ROCK
John Tobin, 18, has worked in the afterschool care program at Our Lady of the Holy Souls School in Little Rock for the past two years, plus the summer care program.
A parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock and recent graduate of Catholic High School in Little Rock, Tobin spent his high school years involved in Search and the Youth Advisory Council for the Diocese of Little Rock.
“I really enjoyed being on YAC, and it really helped me grow in my faith and make some friends,” Tobin said. “My roommate for college was actually on YAC too.”
Tobin’s involvement with four Search retreats and YAC not only deepened his faith but made him more patient and kind — good traits to have when working with summer care and afterschool care students.
“I work with kids going into first grade. They’re a pretty rowdy bunch,” Tobin said with a laugh. “It’s fun. There’s never a dull moment.”
By working with youth, Tobin discovered his love for teaching. He enrolled in the University of Central Arkansas this fall, double majoring in English and education, with a possible minor in history.
“I’d like to teach in a high school, preferably Catholic High,” Tobin said. “But otherwise, I’d be perfectly happy teaching elementary and middle schoolers.”
As Tobin prepared for college, he said it’s important to surround yourself with good friends to grow in your faith.
“I was blessed to have friends that really pushed me in my faith,” Tobin said. “Learn to love your faith.”
What national or global issue are you most passionate about?
“I realized it at C2SI when I really had my eyes opened to the immigration and refugee issues. One of the speakers, Abdullah … hearing him talk really opened my eyes to what’s going on in the world with refugees and people immigrating into the country, even legally, and how much of a struggle that is for them to get into the U.S.”
