Jodie Hofkamp, the school psychologist, has helped shape many lives at Albert Lea High School. She constantly goes out of her way to show kindness and make people’s lives just a little better. For Hofkamp, kindness means “authentically giving to others…being genuine with what I share and give.”
“Jodie makes my day when I see her, she is energetic and always has a smile on her face,” said media clerk Tena Tasker.
One of the reasons Hofkamp chooses kindness is “it fills my tank, I get happy. When or if I can do something nice for someone else.” Being kind is a big part of who Hofkamp is, “[It] sort of brings peace to my soul.”
“Jodie is an incredibly positive person and shares that energy with everyone around her,” said Senior Alyssa Schmidt.
Many things inspire people to be kind but for Hofkamp, “It’s just sort of a natural thing. I can’t explain…It just becomes who I am.” But if she had to choose one thing it comes down to helping others have a good day “everyone goes through bad stuff. None of us really know what’s going on in everyone’s lives. So I would much rather be on the side of being kind.”
Kindness has helped shape Hofkamp’s life in a variety of ways, one person who has shaped her is her parents’ friends. “They made me feel very special by just being kind to me, like they gave me their attention when I was young. I just remember feeling good, because they were so kind.”
“Jodie is like a hidden treasure: inside and out,” said Senior Rayea Roberts. “She’s got candies and apples to help brighten your day! And then, her presence,her kindness, and love will brighten your day!”
Hofkamp has truly made an impact on the school, but some recommendations she has for the students of ALHS is to follow the golden rule.
“None of us know what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes,” said Hofkamp. “That we are enough exactly how we are. And I think sometimes being that person [who] can give a smile or do something nice
for somebody else can be the difference of changing someone’s day around.”For Hofkamp, making people’s days is a big part of her life. One of the big things Hofkamp does for students is passing out candy. She calls it “love in a wrapper.”
“Every day that I get to see Jodie, is a day that I cherish,” said Senior Alexander Schmidt.
Hofkamp has truly shaped many lives, through the things she says, candy, and just being genuine with everyone she encounters. She has made an impact at ALHS.
“Jodie brightens my day every time I see her,” said Senior Erin Boorsma. “She’s truly a joy to be around.”