Blog event about going to Delsesto Middle School

PASA and Gina Raimondo

I went to DelSesto Middle School to represent Youth Development with my class. We prepared our elevator speech about what this field is about, so that we could explain to Governor Raimondo what we do, and how that connects with the work that PASA does with the after school program. We toured the middle school building where we got to see kids interacting with one another, and at one point helping one another. PASA is an incredible after school program which provides students the opportunity to explore their likes and dislikes, and even inspiring them to think about what they aspire to be as they get older.

In the article A world where youth hold the power, there are many stories that tell us about how people have grown to find their voices in Youth In Action. This is pretty much the same thing with the after school program PASA. Many young people attend these after school programs to either try something new, and or to understand their likes and dislikes as a unique individual. PASA is place for kids to be in safe, nonjudgmental environment where they are free to be who they are. In This is Youth Work: Stories from Practice on page 42, Youth workers/mentors, especially in PASA, looks for and embraces the in built possibilities of young people. If a child is having difficulty learning how to do something, they are not told to try something else, but they are helped and encouraged to keep trying only because it is new to them.

The tour was absolutely incredible and gave me the opportunity to see what my soon to be job will be like. I enjoyed being a part of the team, and as we entered the rooms of the after school programs, I got to see how much fun the kids were having. For example, kids were crocheting, hip hop dancing, making stress balls, and movies out of play figures. The goal was to present the importance of these after school programs to Governor Raimondo, and it was a success. I learned that programs like these reach to higher power to prove its needed existence. This event definitely helped to give me an idea of how passionate I should be when representing an organization, especially when it is a nonprofit.

Attended event: Christ Temple Church Youth Service

Christ Temple Church Youth Service

This was my first time ever being in charge of putting together the youth service at my church. My pastor allowed me to gain more time to make sure that this event was correctly done. My goal was to have our own youth see what other kids their own age are doing for the Lord, and to know that it's a cool thing. I often find that some kids are ashamed of their faith and think it's not cool to be God's friend, so my goal was to reveal that their are kids just like them who love God openly, which is a beautiful thing. 

Praise Dance Selection

There were many youth singing theirs hearts out to God, there was a praise dance, a skit, and more. The fellowship among the people was amazingly powerful and made an impact on those in the building. My sister and I led the service, and we also had some guest churches participate. The sense of community was heartwarming and had such a beautiful atmosphere in the presence of God. 

Our guests and church members ;)

Wood, Westwood, and Thompson stated that youth workers increasingly engage with young people in a variety of settings where they are compelled to attend (Pg. 4). I realized that through this event, I made connections with other youth ministries, which also helped me to put this event together at my church. I read a quote in a reading titled A world where youth hold the power, and it stated "It's critical for young people to be at the center of change in every community". This event gave our youth a moment to exemplify their lives changed through God, and their positive lifestyles. Many adults were happy and inspired to see this through our youth.
 Me being a Youth Development Major has helped me to see the greater picture with our youth. I see potential and strength in the youth at my church. Doing this event has inspired me and started a flame within me that is set on committing to mentoring the youth at my church, especially through the Sunday school where I am an assistant. As they grow older, I want them to know that I am here for them. It was through this event that I learned about using the connections I have to reach a goal, and to know that fellowship is important for our youth. I am so blessed to have experienced such a powerful night!

Blog #9

What is Youth Development?

How does this new text help you explain this major and what you have chosen as your academic career?

This text has helped me to answer by confirming the idea I had learned about Youth Development through the course. I learned that it is not so much about focusing on helping a child make a positive transition, but it's about focusing on the present situation and guiding the child to make better choices to improve. Overall, this course has helped prepare me to understand the Youth Development more, and helped me to understand that my job goes far beyond just helping kids, but it's about mentoring them to see far beyond where they think they will be...to see the bigger opportunities they can have.

This is how I would answer:

Youth Development is far more than just working with young people, but it's about positively guiding them into their highest aspirations. We youth workers go far beyond leading the youth,but we lead with them, providing them the chance to step into their own leadership positions. We help them to see what they are absolutely capable of when it comes to being a shining light in the darkness. We are mentors and we also build respectful relationships with our youth to support them throughout their independent growth as a young person entering adulthood.

Blog #8

My three comments about R.K. videos:

(1) The videos were very interesting to watch. I found it to be very interesting to see how, in the Amy Leclaire video, a child used one of the methods to stay calm and relaxed. For example, the bottle with the glitter mixed with water inside.

(2) I never knew about this program. I was really intrigued to see how they were effecting Paul Cuffee because that school is a part of my community. I really connected with this video solely because I am familiar with the school, so it was good to hear how a student has made positive improvement through this program.

(3) Overall, it was interesting to see a lot of kids involved with this program and to also see how it is effecting them positively.

Any thoughts I want to share???

Even though I have never heard of this program before, watching these videos helped me to see the different, unheard of, programs that are in effect to help our youth out.

Blog #7

After exploring the resources on Rock the Vote and the NYT Blogs, what questions do you have about this election?  What makes you want to vote?  What makes you shy away from the voting booth?  Do you feel well informed about the issues and candidates?  Does this election draw you in or alienate you? Certainly the youth that you are or will one day work with share some of the same anxieties as you!  In 250-500, reflect on these questions and include at least three specific questions to ask in class this week.  

The questions that I have about this election are:

1. What educational background does someone need to have to be a possible presidential candidate? Does one's education need to reflect a political background?
2. When was the idea of Republican and Democrat established?

FIGHT.....FIGHT.....#ROCKEM'SOCKEM'ROBOTS!!!

What makes me want to vote is having my voice heard. Although many people state that our voices do not matter, because the Electoral College has the final say in who becomes President, it is my right and responsibility as a citizen of the United States to speak my mind through a ballot as to whom I believe fits best for the Presidential seat. What makes me shy away from the voting booth is seeing names listed for different chairs in Rhode Island, who I have never even heard of. I don't know who half of the people are on the ballot, and the only time that I see people running for office is when they want my vote. After that you never hear from, or even see them involved in the community as much as they should be. I do feel very well informed about the issues and candidates, especially because I have seen the debates. I feel confident enough to say that this election draws me to vote, because I am very concerned as to who is running for President this year (I do not want him as President).

Here are my 3 questions:

Hmm.........

1. How do you converse with a youth who may have opposing views about whom you choose to vote for?
2. In what ways can we educate our youth about politics in a fun manner?
3. Do most of us affiliate ourselves with a particular political party, because of our family?

Blog Post #6 (Nakkula and Toshalis Chapter 2)

Blog post #6 on Nakkula Chapter 2 — What is context mapping? (What did Mitch ask Julian to do?) Make a context map for yourself (see LB MAP and CM Map for models). List the four different identities (on page 28) and describe each one. (due Tue 10/25 by midnight)

Context Mapping is when, for example, when Mitch asked Julian to list the various spaces and relationships he must negotiate each day (Pg. 29). It's when you learn about, not only yourself,but who or what you associate yourself with that mold you into the very person you are. The very people or things you associate yourself with contributes to your perspective on how you see things in life. For example. I am a Christian, and one of the things about me being a Christian is how I learn to trust God, and he helps me to see things more positively than negatively.

The four different identities:

1. Achieved Identity: when someone shows commitment out of the things they want/pursue in life
2. Foreclosed Identity: when someone is committed to a path they want in life without considering other options.
3. Moratorium: when someone is exploring roles, beliefs, behaviors, and relationships without making a commitment. 
4. Diffuse Identity: when someone has the desire for something they want to achieve in life but shows no commitment whatsoever.

Here is my very own context map!

Blog #5

In 1-2 paragraphs, discuss what you learned about yourself from the Ideology Inventory.  Where do your values lie when it comes to Youth Work?

-After doing this ideology horoscope, I have learned that I lean more towards Positive Youth Development. When it comes to Positive Youth Development, the beliefs are based on External Assets involving support from family, adults, peers, etc., empowerment like safety and having a voice, and boundaries involving family, peers and school. You also have Internal Assets which involves commitment, positive attitudes, social competencies, and positive identity.

Make a Difference!

-When it comes to my values involving youth work, I care a lot about making a positive impact on the youth. I find that it is very important to lead our youth into a brighter future, and you can't let them lead their own life completely. There is a saying that says "It takes a village to raise a child" and I honestly agree with it. A community, family, friends, acquaintances and so many other people all play an active role in shaping the life of the individual. As for me and my destined to be career, I hope to be the one who has positively helped to change a life!

Blog post #3 on Nakkula and Toshalis

10 vocabulary words I do not know:

1. Cordial 
2. Maligned
3. Indebted
4. Lackluster
5. Integral
6. Construe
7. Pathologized
8. Parameters
9. Litany
10. Interpersonal

Ten People who have coauthored me:

My life story consists of these very people that I have listed. Some have supported me while I was in school, specifically towards my academics, some have taken care of me since birth, and some have just impacted my life positively.

Jesus Christ

When I became a Christian, everything changed for the better. I started to embrace the leader that I was born to be, I stopped following the wrong crowd, and I have a better heart for people. God has helped me get through many tough times in my life, and I can truly say that he is a friend of mine.

Mom

She has been this role-model to me for the longest. She shows me what it means to be a strong woman, and to pursue your dreams first before pursuing other things that can wait. She picks me up when I'm down, wipes my tears, makes me laugh, changed my diapers (LOL), but most importantly...she is a mother to me.

Dad

My dad is one of the best fathers in the entire world. He's such a great listener, and always makes me feel like if I need help, that he is always gonna be there. My dad has just shown me in life, that no matter how bad your day may be, it is still a blessed day. My dad goes through a lot at work, and for him to say that, it has reminded me to be grateful for every day that I am living.

Sister

My sister is the other part of me. If she was never born, my life would be boring. When I am hurting, she hurts, when I don't want anything to do with people, she doesn't leave my side. I love my sister, and she always gives me good advice, and reminds me that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Grandma (Dad's mom)

My grandma is very special to me. She makes me feel loved, even though I know am, and I hope to pass on the love, warmth, and kindness that she shows me. She is part of the reason as to why I am the kind of person to reach out to others wholeheartedly and to check on them, and see how they are doing.

Dominque (best friend)

Although we aren't in contact anymore, I do miss her. She has taught me that having your friend's back is what makes a friendship stronger.

Pastor (Papa)

My pastor teaches me about leadership. He has taught me to speak up for what I know is right, and to be bold when needed. He is like a grandfather to me also, because he was their for me and my family when my mom was in the hospital. He treats us like family :) My pastor is always there when I need wisdom for my leadership position on campus. Everything that I am learning from him, it makes me grow maturely in my faith.

Uncle Ricky

My Uncle Ricky, too, has encouraged me in my walk of faith, Before he passed away, he was the kind of guy that always cheered you up. It was his love and kindness that reminds me to be like he was...loving and kind to others.

Sis. Mary

This woman is like an auntie to me. She is charitable to others, even if she is short on things herself. I learn from her to help others joyfully, to give with joy, and help others.

Ms. Rush (my 5th grade teacher)

My teacher was very comforting. Just like my mom, I felt I could run to her when I was sad. I just hope to be the same way for someone else.

Blog #4 Tedtalk

BLOG #4 on Hobson TED Talk:  Have you ever felt invisible?  Does Hobson help you think about visibility in any new ways?  Be specific in naming and explaining her arguments, and then relate her words to your own life history.  How might a youth space like YIA — where youth “share their stories, practice leadership and create change in their communities” — be an antidote to invisibility?

 There were times that I guess you could say I felt invisible, especially when it comes to race. I am a Latina and Black, and there were times where I didn't even fit in with my own race. I didn't feel accepted, because I was somewhere in the middle. I wasn't 100% Black or 100% Spanish. I was just awkwardly in the middle. I found myself trying to be more of this race and that race, but I times I wasn't just being me. After watching Ms. Hobson's TED talk video, I have realized that being invisible can involve race and many other things. Her presentation on being "color brave" and not color blind was spectacular. Now, I am not one to sit through a video, unless I am very interested, but this video has helped prepare me for the professional world. I love talking about the importance of race equality and making a difference, because there were definitely instances where people have said offensive things about my own races, whether it was towards Latinos or Blacks. I was intrigued to here Ms. Hobson talk about how someone thought she was to be of service, versus being someone of a higher up. Ms. Hobson asked "When can we also think it is weird to see all white people in a setting compared to black people?" and that made me realize how often these thoughts occur in the minds of people. I want to be a part of the change where in the next generation, you will see more diversity in big companies, law offices, state houses, and so forth. Ms. Hobson reminded me that their is power in my words, and that I could inspire someone to seek greater things in life just like her mother did for her. My family always backed me up in whatever I aspired to do with my life, and that's something that I will forever appreciate. Now, it's definitely time for me to pay it forward to the next generation. A place like Youth In Action provides a space to empower youth for a greater responsibility...change. If there are kids, like Ms. Hobson,who have experienced a lack of acceptance, then the YIA is a place for youth to use their voices so that these issues can be heard. This can be an antidote to invisibility.

Blog #4 Tedtalk

BLOG #4 on Hobson TED Talk:  Have you ever felt invisible?  Does Hobson help you think about visibility in any new ways?  Be specific in naming and explaining her arguments, and then relate her words to your own life history.  How might a youth space like YIA — where youth “share their stories, practice leadership and create change in their communities” — be an antidote to invisibility?

 I don't believe that I ever felt like this guy in the picture (invisible), but I did want to fit in. However, I knew I existed, and I used my talents to get out in the open. When I am asked "Have I ever felt invisible?", I can't really say that I have. After watching Ms. Hobson's TED talk video, I have realized that being invisible can involve race and many other things. Her presentation on being "color brave" and not color blind was spectacular. Now, I am not one to sit through a video, unless I am very interested, but this video has helped prepare me for the professional world. I love talking about the importance of race equality and making a difference, because there were definitely instances where people have said offensive things about my own races, whether it was towards Latinos or Blacks. I was intrigued to here Ms. Hobson talk about how someone thought she was to be of service, versus being someone of a higher up. Ms. Hobson asked "When can we also think it is weird to see all white people in a setting compared to black people?" and that made me realize how often these thoughts occur in the minds of people. I want to be a part of the change where in the next generation, you will see more diversity in big companies, law offices, state houses, and so forth. Ms. Hobson reminded me that their is power in my words, and that I could inspire someone to seek greater things in life just like her mother did for her. My family always backed me up in whatever I aspired to do with my life, and that's something that I will forever appreciate. Now, it's definitely time for me to pay it forward to the next generation. A place like Youth In Action provides a space to empower youth for a greater responsibility...change. If there are kids, like Ms. Hobson,who have experienced a lack of acceptance, then the YIA is a place for youth to use their voices so that these issues can be heard. This can be an antidote to invisibility.

Blog #2 (YIA)

There was one story specifically that I identified with, and that was the story of a women, who is the Executive Director, who made it to Brown University. When I got my acceptance letter to college, I felt like I accomplished something, and was taking my education to the next level. However, I learned what I had to learn in order to pass the class, which was the same mentality I had in high school. It wasn't until I was in my junior year in college that I began to realize that all of the things that I am learning, could be applied to in the real world. I decided to take what I have learned involving music, and to give it back to my community. I never took the time to dig deep and work on what I loved to do the most, which was music. I regret not being able to say "I was a part of chorus in high school." or "I was in a musical." I want to take what I have been taught and help prepare the next generation to go after their dreams, while I am going after mine. YIA models the notion of "Leading With..." by showing that their youth are the leaders, but they work together. No one leads on their own, but they work together. I remember reading about how each person on staff working at YIA gets a chance to be told their strengths and weaknesses. As for me personally, the last thing I want is for a group of people to tell me what I'm doing wrong and what I need to work on, and then make me feel better by telling me my strengths. I would be very uncomfortable, but I do see the proactive part of this activity, which is to build community and trust among themselves. If trusting the very ones who are close to you to tell you the truth about yourself, pushes you to greater heights in life, then that is where this can help promote growth in a work setting with the workers altogether.

Blog Post #1

The seven characteristics of Youth Work are:

1. Educational practice
2. Social practice
3. Challenging inequality and work towards social justice
4. Where possible, young people choose to be involved
5. Strengthening the voice and influence of young people
6. Welfare practice
7. Works with young people 'holistically'

(1) When it comes to the education of our youth today, the Youth Work field primarily focuses on where the child is at academically versus where they need to be. We youth workers create ways to help the child grow in his/her education. A youth worker also gets involved with the youth outside of school to help them with their social abilities in the world. We promote growth in the child socially and academically while preparing them for the real world as they continue to grow. (2) Speaking of promoting the child socially, we youth workers help the youth by giving them advice and positive guidance. Youth work is truly a social practice, because we encourage the child to work on their relationship skills in another setting without us being there, therefore promoting self-confidence and boldness. (3) One of the most important things that we youth workers absolutely pursue is social justice. I believe that it is vital to teach a child the importance, and having the knowledge, of what is just and to stand up for it. Being a youth worker isn't about teaching our youth the difference between right and wrong, especially involving oppression and power, but we teach the importance of standing up for what you believe in. (4) The fact of the matter is that a youth worker is an important being in a child's life. We play a very important role when it comes to helping the youth understand how to take what they've learned in school and to apply it in their everyday lives...pretty much the real world. Knowledge is power, so our jobs as youth workers are to show the youth that your learning does not have to stop when you leave school, but that there is plenty to learn from whether it is from our social environment or academic life. Of course the child has little to say about whether they want to go to school, because they are forced to go, but we youth workers become a part of what they learn in school, while guiding, mentoring, and supporting them throughout their journey. (5) We youth workers take the time, while guiding the child, to help them find their voice and to prepare them to make a difference in the world they live in. We remind them that the things they are learning in school can be used to raise their voices to create positive change. (6) Youth work does not only motivate kids to make something of themselves, but we also take the time to see how they are doing. We believe that what a child may be going through can affect his/her outcome in their only lives, whether that means personal problems, failures, etc. We take on the challenge of working with youth who may need an extra push despite their circumstances. (7) We youth workers work holistically with youth involving their school life and personal life. We take on the challenge of crossing social work with the educational field of work by supporting, encouraging, and challenging our youth to remain strong during difficult times. Our jobs as youth workers are not babysitting jobs, but are very important when it comes to the lives of our youth. We make a difference when we become the bridge over troubled waters between the educational life and social life for our youth.

Who am I?

                



I believe that music is powerful! My family and my roots are important to me.
Who doesn't love a home cooked meal? But what's most important to me, is Jesus Christ! My faith in God keeps me strong!