Tumbling toward success: Local high school student finds perfect job
Sports reporter
It can be difficult for a high school student to find a job in a small town, especially one she likes.
However, Marion High School student Erin Richmond has done just that.
Toward the end of last year Marion Chamber of Commerce executive secretary Margo Yates contacted Richmond to see if she would be interested in teaching a tumbling class in Marion for elementary-aged students. Richmond had expressed interest in heading up a class before, so to her it was an easy decision, especially since Movement Connection Dance Studio came to Marion last year.
"It just kind of opened up an opportunity for me," Richmond said.
The studio is located upstairs at 404 1/2 East Main. Richmond spends five hours per week there teaching excited girls ages three to 10 the basics of tumbling.
"We have 19 girls right now but no boys," Richmond said. "We had one sign up but he backed out."
Richmond made it clear that anyone who fits the age group can join, and although there is a risk with everything, her class is safe.
"We start with the basics, stretching, then go from there," she said.
Using her skills
Although she has only been teaching since January, tumbling and gymnastics is nothing new to Richmond. She began tumbling when she was five, taking classes at Marion City Building. After four years, Richmond was invited to attend a competition gymnastics class in McPherson. Her parents drove her there two days per week.
"We enjoyed, and she enjoyed it," her mother Diane said.
However, after fifth grade, Erin was asked if she wanted to participate in level 5 competition, which would mean practicing in McPherson four days a week. Erin and her parents wanted to continue, but the 35-mile drive, four days per week, was too much.
Ever since, Erin has been interested in getting back into gymnastics. With the class, she has now been able to do so, while getting paid at the same time.
"It's been pretty easy," Erin said. "And I enjoy doing it."
Erin was a little nervous in the beginning, hoping parents would think she is doing a good job. Yates said having Erin run the class has been nothing but positive. She said the younger girls look up to Erin and other high school students who help in the community.
"Anytime high school kids can help coach any activities, it's just good for everybody," Yates said. "I really wish we had more of it."
Balancing act
Although Erin loves the job, a lot of responsibility comes with it. Along with the five hours per week she spends instructing, she also spends three to four hours each week preparing for her classes. Combine that with school and track practice each day, and Erin has as busy a schedule as a high schooler could have.
"When it first started it took a lot of time," she said. "But now it's not bad at all."
Her parents were a little worried at first as well, but they also think she is doing a good job of balancing her time: under one condition.
"As long as the grades stay up," her dad Rodney said.
The perfect job
For now Erin continues to teach the class with the help of classmate Katie Hett. The two are seeing progress in the girls, and are preparing for the first recital next month.
"They like it," Erin said of the girls. "They are very enthusiastic."
Erin will continue teaching through the school year, then she will have sign-ups for a summer session. Next year will be her last at MHS and she will continue to teach. After that, she hopes the program will stay afloat.
"When I go to college I'll come back in the summer and teach until somebody comes and takes it over," she said.
While she is still in school however, she is going to take advantage of landing a job she enjoys.
"I just really want to work with kids," Erin said.
Couple that with gymnastics and Erin has found her perfect job.
