Jaymie Wasem

“FCCLA is how I decided what I wanted to do for a career. Now, all the classes I'm taking are for my career and things I'm interested in."

-Jaymie Wasem

Jaymie Wasem plans to be a middle or high school family and consumer studies teacher. When she isn’t studying, Jaymie enjoys watching Netflix, hanging out with friends, baking, and doing DIY projects.

Jaymie Wasem finds her voice, becomes leader through FCCLA

Jaymie Wasem has used the confidence and knowledge she gained from six years as a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) member to flourish in her first year of college at Iowa State University.

Jaymie first became interested in FCCLA in seventh grade when her family and consumer sciences teacher introduced her to the idea of participating in a star event: a presentation of community work given in front of other FCCLA members. Growing up, Jaymie said she was a shy child who was terrified of public speaking. Joining the FCCLA chapter in her hometown allowed her to open up for the first time.

“I used to be really shy and wouldn’t do presentations or anything like that,” she said. “My first star event [presentation] I did, my dad was so proud that I was actually talking in front of people — I never would have done that before.”

In her six years of involvement with FCCLA, Jaymie explored her interests while giving back to her community. She became an expert in developing, executing, and presenting on her various community service projects.

“You could choose where you wanted to focus. There’s such a variety, so [FCCLA has] basically anything you want to do,” she said.

Jaymie went on to become the president of her FCCLA chapter; her position included delegating community projects to members and organizing club meetings. From a meek middle schooler to a confident senior in high school, Jaymie developed her leadership skills from start to finish with her FCCLA chapter.

Before beginning her journey with FCCLA, Jaymie knew that she wanted to become a teacher, but didn’t know what she wanted to teach. Completing community service events and exploring the world of family and consumer sciences through FCCLA made her realize that she would enjoy being a family and consumer sciences educator. She’s most interested in teaching middle and high school students about food, nutrition, and cooking.

Now a freshman in family and consumer sciences education and studies, Jaymie is looking forward to further understanding the industry that FCCLA introduced her to.

“FCCLA is how I decided what I wanted to do for a career,” Jaymie said. “Now, all the classes I’m taking are for my career and things I’m interested in.”