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.