Young Mildred Helms Student Leads by Example

Keyshaye (pronounced kee SHAY’) Patterson may only be 8-years-old, but she knows how to take on an adult role when someone needs help.

Her camp counselor at the Southwest Recreation Complex said this Mildred Helms Elementary student stands out because she’s not afraid to step in.

“Keyshaye helps another camper who is autistic,” said Brandon Mai.  “When he needs help or attention, she can calm him down.”

“He didn’t have nobody to play with,” Keyshaye said.  “I felt that I know how he feels. Every time I see him I help him.”

This soon-to-be 2^nd grader is showing empathy toward not just that camper, but others.

“I like to help people,” Keyshaye said. “When people are mad, I help them calm down.” 

Her words of wisdom would be useful to not just kids, but adults too.

“When they get mad at their friend, I tell them they don’t have to be mad.  They can go find somebody else to play with.”

Keyshaye enjoys the day to day activities at summer camp at Southwest Rec in Largo.  Her favorite sport is basketball. “I like to play in the gym… when it’s quiet.”  When she gets a basket, she feels “happy.”  Her birthday gift of a DSi also made her happy.  It was her favorite gift.

Someone else who makes her feel happy is her aunt, who works at the Southwest Rec Complex.  “Sometimes on field trips she’ll give me 2 or 3 or 5 dollars for drinks or toys,”Keyshaye said. 

Someone so young couldn’t possibly know what she wants to do when she grows up.  Or could she?

“When I grow up, I want to be a nurse because (I want to) help people when they’re sick,” she said. “When I see someone who needs help, I feel sad.”