Youth Profile: Continental teen likes a challenge

CONTINENTAL — For Rachel Hauter, a summer job opened her eyes.

“A couple of summers ago, I baby-sat kids who had learning disabilities, and it was challenging,” she said. “In the beginning, I didn't like it, but by the end of the summer, it was hard to see them go. That was kind of life-changing for me.”

Rachel, a senior at Continental High School, said she enjoys helping others.

“It's just a good feeling,” she said.

In the fall, Rachel volunteered with Challenged Champions Equestrian Center in Ottawa.

“I'm going to help again in the spring. I help little kids with disabilities. I help them do games and exercises on the horses,” she said. “It's cool to watch them improve each week. They get so excited, and it's fun to share that with them.”

Rachel said she plans to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Last year, she job-shadowed an occupational therapist at Defiance Hospital.

“It's a rewarding job, I think, helping people learn to cope and work around problems,” she said.

At Continental, Rachel is a member of FFA, the National Honor Society, and Spanish Club, and she played in the Pirates marching, concert, and pep bands for three years. She also participates in drama department productions.

Last year with FFA, Rachel competed as a semifinalist at the state level in public speaking.

“That was a good experience, but the best experience for me in FFA is going to the conventions every year. We've gone to all the state and national conventions,” she said.

Rachel also competes showing animals every summer at the Putnam County Fair. She is a 10-year member of the Continental Lucky Stars 4-H club and has earned class and showmanship awards for her animals.

“Up until high school, I showed pigs and rabbits, and I took a pygmy goat one year,” she said. “The past four years, I've been taking feeder calves and steers. I like working with animals. On our farm, we have calves, horses, goats, and rabbits, and we grow corn, wheat, and beans. I help with the chores and bale hay and straw in the summer.”

For fun, Rachel enjoys baking and cake decorating.

“My aunt showed me the basics, and I taught myself the rest. I have books, and I look up stuff on the Internet and play around. I really like the artistic part of it, coming up with designs,” she said.

“I've sold a few cakes,” Rachel added, “birthday cakes and bridal shower cakes, and I'm going to make my own graduation cakes and put a sign out for people to call me. Later in life, one of my goals is to start a bakery.”