“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
In modern Western culture, the idea of finding oneself in the service of others is a foreign thought. The self-centered ideals of gaining wealth, power, and comfort has left a society of people chasing their own interest with little regard for others.
It is hard to find people giving their time, talents, and resources for the sake of the community; and it’s even harder to find that in a lunchroom filled with 8th graders.
Emery Winkle, however, is not your typical eighth grader.
For her birthday, rather than asking for toys, clothes, or gifts for herself, Emery asked for hygiene items that were eventually given to local refugees in the community.
What birthed this heart of service, and how can the Spokane community learn from an 8th grader like Emery?
An Upbringing Unlike Most
Emery grew up attending Ruben Trejo Dual Language Academy, where she learned both English and Spanish from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The school intentionally brings native English-speakers and native Spanish-speakers to learn together.
“When I have conversations with these kids, they can speak to me in English and practice their English, and I can speak to them in Spanish and practice my Spanish. We’re both experts in each of those languages.” Emery reflects.
From a young age, Emery experienced the challenge of learning in a new language, and developed empathy towards those around her in a new way.
“The skill they’re learning is connection. Language is the connector.” says Stacey, Emery’s mom.
This connection grew Emery’s heart for serving others, and as years went by, she saw the need to act where there were gaps.
A Leader Setting the Example
Throughout her time at Ruben Trejo, Emery embraced leadership in many ways. As part of the school’s first class to complete the full K-8 journey, she helped set the tone for the students who would follow. Her leadership experience culminated in eighth grade when she was elected President of the Associated Student Body (ASB). In that role, she led fundraising efforts for school camps and community projects while working alongside school staff to advocate for the needs and interests of her fellow students.
“We always hear, ‘You guys are the leaders. You have to set an example.’ But it’s always been just words. Then it was like, ‘Oh, we actually can do something about this. We can actually make a change.'”
In the Spring of her 8th grade year, Emery led the charge as her class put together a hygiene drive for the local community. Inspired through friendships with immigrant and refugee students at her school, she wanted to provide items as simple as deodorant for those who couldn’t afford it.
Emery knew the change she was looking for started with her. So she led by example as they sought out donations for the hygiene drive.
A Birthday Wish Unlike Any Other
To support the hygiene drive, Emery asked for hygiene products in place of her birthday presents.
“I didn’t know how well it would go, but I wanted to have something. Even if people don’t give, I have something I can give.”
Through the donation drive Emery and her classmates collected hundreds of hygiene products including deodorant and toothpaste. The students chose to give the products to World Relief Spokane because of the connection to refugee and immigrant students at her school.
World Relief staff visited the school to receive the donations, and were inspired by the generosity of such a young group of students.
What’s Next for Emery Winkle?
This fall Emery is headed to Middle School at Lewis and Clark High School. She is excited to join established clubs and programs, learn from older students, and continue to find ways to lead in her school.
As she continues her education, she hopes to learn more about immigration and social work so she can continue helping people and making a meaningful difference in their lives
Emery’s story reminds us that the future of Spokane is in good hands. It belongs to students like Emery, young leaders who are inspiring change by taking personal responsibility, loving their neighbors, and choosing to think beyond themselves. Today, let’s all strive to be a little more like Emery Winkle.