Connect Magazine - Term 2, 2022

Personal Faith and Character

Focus on Alumni
   Caitlin Watson

We would like to thank Caitlin Watson for writing about herself, her faith journey and her career. Read on to discover the awesome work Caitlin is doing:

When I finished school, I went on to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland. I was motivated to study in this field to better understand the role of government and the policies that impact our society. While studying, I was also involved in local politics as an elected member on the local council. I valued the opportunity to simultaneously apply my learning and provide a youth voice for matters impacting our community.

Over the Global Pandemic, I have moved from politics to people-based work! My time on the local council was my introduction to the community space, which led me to being more involved practically in our community on the Coast by setting up a charity shop and working with local charities. Currently, I am the Project Manager for Coast Mentoring, a youth mentoring programme that supports young people in need of a positive role model with a volunteer mentor to journey alongside. I also work for Coast Community Trust, a trust affiliated with Coast Vineyard Church. We run a variety of programmes to serve and support our community, including community meals, a youth club, driver’s license mentoring, babysitting service and budgeting courses. Going on from political studies, I have also enjoyed a bit of study in Christian Ministry at Vineyard College!

My main passion and drive is to ultimately serve Jesus wherever he leads. I get excited about the way that we can relationally and practically show God’s love and compassion to our community. I also know that growing up as a young person has its challenges, and that mentoring is a powerful tool to ensure that young people know that they are cared for, supported and encouraged throughout the ups and downs of life. We all need a cheerleader, confidant and consistent person on our team to call upon. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child!

Finally, I would love to share a couple of words of advice for students that I have learnt along my journey. The biggest lesson for me has been based on 1 Timothy 4:12 - “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” You are not too young to embrace the passions and gifts that God has given you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Invest in your younger years and time at school. This is a time to develop good habits in areas like study, relationships and faith that will set you up well for the future. God bless you as you grow and step into all that he has for you this year and beyond!

Blessings,

Caitlin Watson