When you learn, teach- Mya Angelou… Most of my youth and young adult years I spent struggling with accepting the label of leader, or teacher, or even mediator. I imagine two possible reasons why standing in this light is such a challenge. Part of the reason could come from societies dictation that minimizing one's greatness is a desirable sign of humility, especially for women. A more introspective response would say that I was/am simply afraid to accept that I have been gifted with the ability to lead, guide, and nurture others for fear of being misunderstood and rejected. In the past 4 years, I have grown to accept and appreciate my innate ability to relate to and lead diverse groups of individuals in various capacities. When fate and timing …show more content…
In my current capacity as Program Coordinator for both middle and high school students, I manage and facilitate programs that are focused on helping youth develop 21st Century readiness skills, positive peer and adult relationships, and an increased awareness of civic/community involvement. Additionally, I am also called to facilitate training sessions for adults who lead and implement similar programming for other community organizations. As a trainer of mentors and facilitators, one of my main objectives is to not only guide them through learning and understanding the program model. I also want to leave them with a renewed and/or enlightened perspective to understand our youth not as “at risk” but as “at hope” for changing the trajectory of their lives. Mentors have the ability to create a learning space that will allow young people to embrace their innate talents and gifts. Meeting a youth “where they are” to me, does not equate to teaching them by using only information they already know. When I engage with youth and adult learners, my philosophy is to lead from a place that highlights what they know and relate it to the things they don’t know (or think they don’t know). This is where learning becomes power. So often we are told/taught that the learning process is only validated when an institution or authority can …show more content…
For over a year or so, I have deliberated about continuing my education for the purpose of being able to position myself professionally in a way that will expand the areas where I can have a positive impact. My family has recently considered relocating from Chicago, where most of my work experience speaks for me as a dedicated and loyal colleague with a proven ability to lead with compassion, humility, and resilience. Moving to a new city where no one knows me and there’s no one there to speak on my behalf, I don’t want my life and professional experiences to be discounted for lack of a degree. The profession of social services and youth development was not my chosen field of study. In undergrad, I studied theatre with an emphasis on directing and minored in graphic design. After graduating, I continued to work at the university in the theatre department as a contract employee. When the school began having financial challenges, they eliminated all contract employees and that left me looking for employment. Having a young family, a husband and a 5-year-old daughter, freelancing in theatre was a challenge and caused me to choose family over my craft. As a job seeker, I was open to whatever experiences would allow me to provide for my family both physically and financially. After a divine series of events, I