When I was a kid, I wanted to be… a teacher. I saw my teachers every day, so it seemed like the only logical choice. Also, I really liked school when I was little.
What would you rather do right now? Traveling! There are so many places I want to go and explore, cultures to experience and food to eat!
Hush! Don’t tell anyone that… I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 3 years old. I hated them because of how long I wore them and switched to contacts in high school. I almost never wear my glasses in public, so when I do, people I know do a double take because they don’t realize I’m wearing glasses or ask if they’re new.
It really stinks when… people are late.
What dictionary word would your face be associated with? Hospital.
I always laugh when… people tell me bad puns or dad jokes. I know they suck, but I love them!
Invite three people, living or dead, to dinner. Who are they? My grandmother and my grandfather Houchin. They both died when I was in elementary school, so I didn’t know them very well. I would love the chance to hear their stories, learn from them and get to know them. Plus my babysitter Midge. She had a huge impact on who I am today. I would like to catch up with her on where I am, who I am and thank her for the impact she has had on my life.
At the end of a very long day at work, I like… unwind with a show or a video game. Later that night I do something a little more productive like Bible study, reading, or puzzles.
People who knew me in high school thought I was… silent.
My most unforgettable contact with greatness was… my senior class must be on the Food Network. The show was called “Outrageous Food”. (It didn’t last very long.) Filming was happening when the restaurant wasn’t usually open, so they needed people and somehow our class was called upon. The host was Aaron McCargo Jr. We all felt so cool to be on TV and meet a celebrity chef.
I would abandon all my plans tonight if I had the chance to… skydiving or scuba diving.
If someone gave me a million dollars, there is STILL no way I would… cheer on Tom Brady, especially if he’s still on the Buccaneers. (I’m a Falcons fan, and it was painful.)
I agree if there is ever a national shortage of… hair elastics. I have so many.
When I’m on the internet, I always go to… Twitter. This is where I get my news and find out what’s going on in the world. Also, I think I’m pretty nice people, so I like to see what they post.
What’s the most helpful piece of advice you’ve ever received? My parents taught me at a very young age not to be ashamed of who you are and not to worry about what other people think of you. This advice has always stuck with me.
When I’m driving down the road, I’m probably listening… worship or country music.
The older I get, the more I realize… it is important to eliminate unhealthy lifestyles, things and people from your life. But be sure to keep and add healthy lifestyles and people into your life. Change is hard, but it’s worth it.
If I had a “redo”, I would do it… spend the four years at HLG. I wish I had more time to build stronger relationships and I would be less in debt.
My favorite item of clothing is… not clothes, but a necklace. It says “courage dear heart,” a quote from “Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” This particular part of the book is about fear, and I think it’s a beautiful reminder that there’s someone bigger than the fears and the darkness that we go through.
If I learned anything… Spend as much time as possible with your family and friends. They are worth more than anything money can buy.
Kayla Houchin, 29, is the Membership and Marketing Manager at the Quincy Family YMCA. Houchin is originally from Ashland, a village in central Illinois, but came a little west to attend Hannibal-LaGrange University. She couldn’t stay away from the area and ended up moving here. In her spare time, Houchin is usually busy with church activities or with friends.
