Nakkula and Toshalis

My story of the people who has impacted me over the years....

This is a list of the names of individuals who have coauthored with me during my lifetime.

1. Hildred

2. Steve

3. Frederick 3rd

4. Aniya

5. Steve                                                             

6. Fern

7. Ms.Dubois

8. Michelle

9. Mr. Maguire

10.Rochelle

This is my story

The person I chose to write about that impacted me the most on coauthoring with me is Rochelle. This is because this is the person I wanted to be like until I was an adult . When I became an adult I realized that she was not someone I would to have as a role model in my professional nor social life. My assessment on this relationship at the time was caring, indifferent at times. I dealt with this woman for many years of my life. The duration of this relationship was for my entire high school years and several years after I graduated high school as I was friends with her daughter.

Although Rochelle seemed to have my best interest at the time of our relationship as the school social worker, she has impacted my life in a negative manner. Again I did not realize that this was a negative relationship until I was sent into the real world and seen a different aspect of professionalism which is something that she lacked in many way. For example, when students confined in her with private issue of their own she would discuss this private matters with her daughter and I at their home. Another example, is that she would play a role as a caring individual portraying to have the best interest of the students but in fact she would discuss these issues with other parents of students in school.

                                                                                                                      

She would enable me and my friends to fail. This is interesting to me as I reflect on this because at the time when I was learning and experiences these difficulties I was unaware of what was really going on. She was not encouraging positive behaviors of an educator. She was more attempting to fit in with the young individuals in the school setting therefore she would allow disruptive behavior along with allowing some of us the "CREW" to not abiding with the school rules and policies. 

However, there were some positive aspects to our relationship. She taught me many life skills that I use to this day. Although these experiences I had with this woman has assist with my views on society and societal issues. It also impacted me as a young black girl growing up in Providence during that era. Similarly to the story of Ms. Petersen and Antwon in "The Construction of Adolescence". However my experience discussed above was many years ago. Currently  this woman is currently working with youth in a similar environment like the way one I received my education in and she still have the same views and coauthoring still as she had prior. Unfortunately the same experiences I had with this woman who was involved in my life in so many different aspects is currently still conducting herself in the same manner. Someone I know is enrolled in a program that she is the director of and like me has very similar story as mines.

Too many stories like Antwon and Ms. Petersen still occur in the public school system to date. My teenage children experienced similar stories. Teachers neglecting students needs intentionally or unintentional because, they are not sure how deal with individuals that are different than them.

Words that were unfamiliar to me......

tangential
parameters
litany

Words that were relevant to reading....
tested knowledge
theoretical thinking
theoretical imagination
construction of adolescene
coauthorship
proximal development
reciprocal coauthorship

Ted Talk

   In my own personal experience, I have felt invisible many times as a young black woman. One example of this occurred last weekend. My husband and I went to a well known reputable car dealership in hopes of purchasing a new vehicle. This was on a Sunday so the car lot was quite and empty, there was another couple looking at cars at the same time we were. So it took about ten minutes for someone to finally approach my husband and I in the parking lot. So when this individual approached us he was a young Spanish man. We didn't think anything at the time so he helped us out and we test drove a couple of the cars that we were interested in and so fourth. By the second car we drove the conversations became comfortable and somewhat personal. The young  man stated that he was glad that the other sales men asked him to assist my husband and I. So I asked the question why was that why the other men would ask him to do that and his response was that they felt he would be a better fit to assist of as he could relate to us better and they probably won't purchase a car anyway. They are probably just looking around and he could use the experience. After we returned to the car my husband and  I decided that car dealership was not the right place for our business. Needless to say we went to another car lot down the street where hopefully stereotyping, discrimination, and racism was not obvious. This is exactly how Hobson felt when she was mistaken for the "HELP" at the luncheon that she was invited to.

 From my perspective I still view visibility in the same manner. I feel as a black woman I understand her view on this matter but my perception is the same before I heard the speech. Although I agree with Hobson statement We need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable". As she used the example of the room filled with all blacks at a prominent meeting. Must people would think that this is a weird situation unlike a meeting with all white males the expected.

"Be color brave observe your environment invite people in your life that are different from you". This is a powerful statement. When I became more diverse in my own personal  life,I became open-mined rather than closed-minded. This has been one of the better decision I have made to becoming a better individual in society.

As an environment like Youth In Action could be an antidote to invisibility in many ways. These are a few examples of some of the things YIA do to work against the unwanted conditions that they are trying to make a difference and a better community.

• Those involved in this program believe that they can change their communities.
• They believe that all youth have equal opportunity , they can achieve this by working together.
• They are taking action, by being leaders within their schools and community.
• They have a voice that is respected by peers and adults.
• Youth participates in public speaking which show leadership.

                                                 

IN A WORLD WHERE YOUTH HOLD THE POWER

YOUTH IN ACTION ARTICLE



   The concept of Youth In Action gives youth the opportunity to express themselves as well as prepare them for their future endeavors. I agree with this style of youth engagement because as a young person many years ago I did not have the opportunity to express or even contribute to changes within my community or school environment. With such roles as budgeting decision making these responsibilities could lead young people to a better understanding of their environment. Skills such a these can only be viewed as positive aspects for other individuals in their social groups.

   According to the article the Youth In Action environment seems to be a safe haven or even a second home to many of the individuals who occupy this building. I also agree with the director perspective regarding a "different mindset, learning process, power dynamic, and perspective about whats possible we all share'.

   Another aspect that resonates with me is the idea that adults within Youth In Action program are viewed as partners with the youth. As a youth worker the ultimate goal is to educate, engage, and involve youth with leadership skills that could could potentially lead to a leadership role within their communities. It is interesting to note that, Giovanni age 15 stated that "learning is happening everywhere" in the Youth In Action space. Usually when adults are utilizing space for a learning experience and teachable moment the youth are usually unaware of the dynamic of the relationship. Unlike this young lady who was a member  of the Youth In Action program. She understand the concept of leadership roles from her peers and the adults of that community.

  From my personal experience with my children, the Middle School that they attend attempt a similar approach to engage students with the curriculum. Some of the recent college graduates that understands the importance of youth involvement and engagement allow the students the opportunity to give positive feedback on some of the assignments they assign to the students.

   Overall this Youth In Action Program seem to have a positive impact on the individuals lives they service in Providence. With a program such a this, the residents and young people are encourage to lead and motivate others along with learning and teaching all in one.
Here is a link to the Youth In Action site, here you can view what programs they have alone with upcoming events.http://youthinactionri.org

CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH WORK

THE SEVEN CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH WORK IN THIS CHAPTER IS AS FOLLOWS "YOUTH WORK IS IN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE". INDIVIDUALS WHO WORK WITH YOUTH TEND TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE IN A INFORMED MANNER. BY DOING THIS YOUTH WILL POTENTIALLY FAIL MORE COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT WHILE BEING EDUCATED. THIS TECHNIQUE WILL ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN A SAVE ENVIRONMENT THAT THE YOUTH WORKERS PROVIDE.

"YOUTH WORK IS A SOCIAL PRACTICE" MEANING THAT YOUTH WILL PEER TOGETHER WITH YOUNG PEOPLE THAT THEY CAN RELATE TO. THEY MAY HAVE A CONNECTION TO THESE INDIVIDUALS BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE SAME INTEREST. YOUTH WORKERS WILL  ENGAGE IN SUCH GROUPS TO GUIDE THE YOUNG INDIVIDUALS WITH SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SKILLS. THESE SKILLS MAY ENCOURAGE THE YOUNG TO ACT APPROPRIATELY AMONG THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. 

"YOUTH WORKERS ACTIVELY CHALLENGE INEQUALITY AND WORK TOWARDS SOCIAL JUSTICE."IN THIS REGARD, YOUTH WORKERS ARE PLACED IN YOUNG PEOPLES LIFE TO IMPLICATE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELL BEING OF THERE DISADVANTAGES THEY MAY BE FACED WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

"YOUTH WORK SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN THE VOICE AND INFLUENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE." FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE GROUPING AT THE CALCUTT MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER AN ACTIVITY, WHICH ALWAYS INVOLVED THE GROUP. THE QUESTION ASKED TO THE GROUP OF STUDENTS. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS ACTIVITY? ONE STUDENT STATED THAT BEING PART OF THE YOUTH GROUP MADE HIM FEEL CONFIDENT IN BEING A POSITIVE ROLL MODEL FOR THE STUDENTS IN HIS SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY. 

"YOUTH WORK IS A WELFARE PRACTICE." THIS ASPECT REFERS TO PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOUTH USUALLY RESIDE IN IMPOVERISHED COMMUNITIES. 

"YOUTH WORK WORKS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE HOLISTICALLY."YOUTH WORKERS ENSURE POSITIVE RESULTS WHILE ASSISTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE CHALLENGES THAT ALL YOUNG PEOPLE FACE. WHILE THEY MAKE CHANGE IN THEIR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.

"WHERE POSSIBLE, YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BE INVOLVED." YOUTH WORKERS TEND TO MEET WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS WHICH IS USUALLY A SAFE HAVEN FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF WORKING TOGETHER IN SMALLER SPACES. YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE THE EXECUTIVE DECISION TO ATTEND THESE GROUPS. THIS IS USUALLY NOT A FORCED PROGRAM SO YOUNG PEOPLE ARE OPEN TO THE COMMUNICATIONS AMONG THEMSELVES AND THE YOUTH WORKERS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THEIR LIVES.

This is my interpretation of the seven characteristics of youth work, by Jason Wood, Sue Westwood and Gill Thompson

WHO AM I... ALL ABOUT ME

FIRST BORN