Meet Kristy High

We were lucky to catch up with Kristy High recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose was always important to me. I prayed to God to show me my purpose and how this purpose could serve my community. It started with being in a position that allowed me to engage with children that had certain health issues. I was able to educate families on these health issues. I decided to write a children’s book that would start conversations, help educate families, and get children engaged in their care. This book was so well received from children, their families, healthcare professionals and the community that I decided more books should be written on various health topics. To take it further, I decided to write about topics that were personal to me so that I would be able to relate to my audience. The intended outcome was to provide invaluable tools for parents who struggle to understand what their child is going through and how to best help them live everyday life, thrive and chase their dreams. Through my work, thousands of children have been able to receive the proper care, education, and plan needed to live a quality of life they may have never thought was possible. I intended for my books to be a gift to parents that not only promoted reading and literacy but also helped them connect with their children and create a timeless bond they would never forget. My books became tools and resources, and the best part is that the characters looked like THEM (beautiful black and brown girls and boys). I knew this was my PURPOSE!!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a literacy coordinator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. I am also a children’s book author. I have over 20 years of healthcare and education experience. I am passionate about education, reading and literacy and my main goal is to encourage children to be the best version of themselves. My children’s books enhance the knowledge of patients and families by meeting them where they are and assisting in improving their quality of life. I have been writing since I was a kid but seriously started writing in 2017. I decided to write children’s books that would be used as educational resources that are fun and easy to understand for the patients I cared for. All of my books are based on topics that are personal to me therefore I can relate to my audience. I started to pursue areas outside of the hospital I worked in by connecting with various communities in the area and eventually spreading to states across the US! What’s most exciting and special about my focus, is connecting with others that are passionate about reading, literacy and uplifting children. I have been able to join boards of organizations that focus on these areas, and it has been a blessing to reach so many little readers! I have a new book that will be released this year (2024) on another important health topic. It’s a secret, so you will just have to follow me to find out what the next topic is 🙂

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities I feel were most impactful in my journey were drive, passion, and empathy. All of these are needed when focusing on making a difference and more specifically, working with children.

The advice I would give others who are early in their journey would be, you MUST have passion for what you are creating and a desire to help others. Believing in yourself is also VERY important. Sometimes we get caught up in how others see us and what they are doing but if you don’t believe in yourself, you can never succeed. The doubt will destroy you. Self-confidence is a positive attitude about your abilities, qualities, and judgment. Have faith that no matter what, you will be successful!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am always looking to partner or collaborate. I look for folks that are passionate about children, reading, and literacy. Any organizations, groups, mentors, volunteers, etc that are looking to educate, advocate and spread awareness about the importance of early reading and literacy as well as just have fun while making a difference in the community. Anyone interested can contact me via my website www.kristyhigh.com.

Contact Info:

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