Isabella Barrett

"As an eldest daughter, I strive to exceed expectations; It’s instinctual!"

Hi! My name is Isabella and I’m currently a senior at Saratoga Springs High School. I just finished my second year on the varsity swimming & diving team, and I’m looking forward to competition season at my dance studio, C3. Beyond high school, I plan to major in either nursing or social work, helping children and young adults advocate for themselves when they feel unseen or unheard. My job as an after-school childcare and summer camp counselor at the YMCA, has ignited my dedication to empower youth in the community. In my free time, I like to read (contemporary classics lately), play Just Dance, and hang out with my friends and family!

How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I met Coach Johns many years ago through my previous dance teacher. Coach was giving out his book, Purpose Discovered, as well as Jon Gordon’s book called The Positive Dog. After reading the story of Bubba, the positive dog, and Matt, the negative mutt, I reached out to Coach in hopes to learn more about the AWRA mission.

How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
Coach Johns visited my ballet class in 2021, following our return to “normalcy” after the COVID-19 shutdown. I immediately felt captivated by his experiences as an educator and coach, and the impact AWRA has made—and continues to make—on a global scale.

How has the Act With Respect Always mission affected you personally?
As an eldest daughter, I strive to exceed expectations; It’s instinctual! However, throughout my years, I’ve learned that no matter the circumstances, treating others with respect is key. There will always be someone that doesn’t like you, doesn’t agree with you, doesn’t like what you have to say…but using your voice to promote honest communication and fairness is invaluable. This lesson has made a profound impact on my approach at work, especially. I never want a child to feel “less than” because it’s simply unnecessary. Caring for others, being honest at all times, treating others with respect, and showing responsibility (the YMCA’s 4 core values!) costs nothing.

Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
Along with my job, I try my best to encourage my family members at home, my friends at school, my teammates while in and out of the pool, to Act with Respect Always. Even at the Dunkin Donuts drive thru, I carry myself in a way that I hope inspires others. I’ve noticed that the people I surround myself with always push me to be my best self, and vice versa. I attribute that to my experiences with AWRA and Coach Johns.

How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
Honestly, I think the AWRA mission can be easily understood just by reading the title. Coach Johns’ message about demonstrating a positive mindset is something I feel everyone should be aware of and incorporate into their daily lives, especially during these darker times.

Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
I would absolutely recommend Rich Johns to speak about respect to others. He is such a powerful and passionate speaker, and that is most evident in the community his mission has fostered. I’m so proud to be able to spread his message, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for AWRA and everyone involved.