LEXINGTON, Ky. — Students at Crawford Middle School had a unique opportunity to attend an assembly where Jenisha Watts, a senior editor at The Atlantic, shared her story.

The magazine covers several topics of interest, such as politics, technology and business.

Watts is originally from Lexington and a Fayette County Public Schools alum. She had a difficult childhood but had big dreams and recently wrote about her upbringing, which became the cover story of The Atlantic’s October issue.

“One of the biggest things of me, with sharing my story and writing about my story, I wanted people to know, ‘Look you can have this kind of background,’” said Watts. “You can have a mom who is an addict and still be something and still contribute and not be stifled by your past or your background.”

Eigth graders Addyson Smith and Grayson Nalley take a journalism class and contribute to their school’s news broadcast. Because of their interest in the field, the two young journalists were excited to attend the assembly.

Watts answered questions that the students had, which ranged from discussing her life in Lexington to where she is now and how she got there. Watts emphasized the importance of having mentors and believing in oneself.

“I feel like I really got to know her on a different level even though I didn’t even get to personally talk to her, but she, she really inspires me,” said Smith.

Feelings of inspiration seemed to be felt across the school as students discussed their thoughts on Watts’ visit.