LEXINGTON, Ky. — Alayshia Catching, a Frederick Douglass High School senior, credits her early educators with changing her trajectory and inspiring her to pursue teaching as her life's work.

Catching's academic journey began in elementary school when she struggled with behavior and focus. A turning point came when Lindsay Wallace, her first-grade teacher at Dixie Magnet Elementary, recognized her potential and provided consistent support. That encouragement transformed Catching's mindset about school and her own capabilities, leading to improved grades and honor roll status.

Years later, Catching pursued her passion through Frederick Douglass' Teaching & Learning pathway, part of the school's academy system designed to provide real-world career experiences. The program gave her the opportunity to return to Dixie this school year as a teaching assistant under Wallace, creating a full-circle moment that deepened her commitment to education. Through that experience, Catching gained direct insight into classroom dynamics, child development, and the rewarding work of shaping young minds.

"Teaching is a calling — something I have to do with my life," Catching said. "I wouldn't have made it this far without the teachers I have had. That makes me want to be like that for someone else's child."

The Teaching & Learning pathway at Frederick Douglass emphasizes small learning communities and connections between classroom content and real-world applications, allowing students to strengthen academics while exploring their career interests. Catching improved her GPA and became an active volunteer through programs like Junior Achievement while enrolled in the pathway.

This fall, Catching will attend the University of Kentucky, where she will major in elementary education, a program that prepares students to become K-5 teachers with extensive hands-on experience. Iris Isaacs, the Teaching & Learning pathway educator at Frederick Douglass, noted that Alayshia's journey exemplifies the impact of meaningful learning opportunities and supportive educators.

The Teaching & Learning pathway will expand districtwide in the fall, offering more Fayette County high school students authentic experiences working alongside seasoned educators and discovering that teaching is both a career path and a calling that shapes generations.