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Let students have some say in what they have to study!

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A few years ago, my former high school teacher informed me that the school principal had decided to discontinue one of the most important subject at Central High School in Providence. It was a course that deeply influenced me in learning more on different religions, cultures, and beliefs. The class was called multicultural studies- a subject that focused on diversity and embracing and celebrating all individuals. Multicultural studies class was a safe place for students to be themselves and to share their inner thoughts and views on the world. No student felt discriminated nor isolated. We were like a family. I could not understand as to why the principal or even the school system would allow this unnecessary change to be made. The devastating news led me to develop an online petition and to spread the word with former and current Central High School students. During after-school hours, the students and I would stand outside of the school to continue to spread the word. As a team
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Mapping Interconnected Care

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On Mapping Interconnected Care, each teacher created a special method in helping their children maintain focus in class. For instance, Michelle provides snacks to her students. "...She explained her regular practice of buying food for students- breakfast every Thursday and snacks one or two other days a week." The teacher voluntarily spends her own earning money in order to give her children the necessary nutrients. Michelle's practice is a way to ensure her students have energy and focus to learn and actively engage in the classroom. At my internship, I always provide my students snacks. Like Michelle, I want to make the kids feel important and know that they matter. Unfortunately my internship does not provide food which can be one way to improve the reading program. I notice students are more interested in joining programs such as The Reading Club (my internship) if more act of kindness are demonstrated.
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Youth Work Autobiography

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As a child, I dreamed of having my own bilingual elementary classroom, teaching and introducing my students to new materials and life-learning adventures. I was always certain that one day I was going to become this amazing teacher. But all those dreams and visions gradually dispersed as I gained new learning materials in prerequisite education courses at Rhode Island College. The courses were not fulfilling to my heart and mind. I could not find the passion during the long-hours of mediocre lectures until I was assigned to volunteer in a school system setting. During my volunteer work at a Providence Public Elementary School, I came across an amazing after-school program called ‘The Walking School Bus.’ Basically, adult volunteers safely walk and monitor students to and from school. Their mission was to create a safe route for youth and decrease chronic absenteeism. Sure enough, I signed up to become a volunteer for an entire academic year. On the last day of
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A World Where Youth Hold the Power -Adeola A. Oredola

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Youth In Action is a non-profit youth leadership after school organization where high school students are viewed as leaders. Youth In Action LEADS with young people because it is strongly believed that they should partake in decision-making and crucial discussions. "Critical for young people to be at the center of change in every community." Youth In Actions participants are challenged and motivated to LEAD in movements particularly in social justice. The organization leads with youth as oppose to instructing them on what to do or how to do.
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"PLAY is the work of Childhood" -Jean Piaget

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As a faculty staff member at the Boys and Girls Club in Providence, one of my many responsibilities is to maintain a safe and friendly environment for all participants by following protocols and regulations. But sometimes these rules (created and established by the upper people) can put a toll on youth. For instance, dodge-ball has been a prohibited sport in the organization for a number of years. However, the game is heavily popular in our particular club site.  Our kids beg and cheer for dodge-ball to be played in the gym. According to Shall We Play? written by Henry Jenkins, "Play is not disguised learning; play is learning," which is absolutely true. By my observations, during game rounds I have noticed that kids develop teamwork, confidence, independence, resilience, but most importantly, they have F-U-N. Sure, kids get pounded by rubber red balls but they immediately 'bounce' back. Kids are curious and enjoy to be physically challenged especially by friends
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Stereotypes about Young People

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According to both articles ( Redefining the notion of Youth and Framing Youth: Writing 'Youth' in social context ), younger generation do not meet the social standard of older generation, therefore, youth are not taken seriously. Younger generation create a unique lifestyle that may be seen "inappropriate" to others. When seen differently, you are treated differently.  "Sex, drugs and parents"- emphasis that suggests that young people are self-indulgent and uninvested in more sophisticated "adult" concerns (work and health) . Adolescent are viewed as the generation who are not concern to take on life responsibilities or become an active member in their community.   "Historically, adolescents and youth were not a distinct societal subculture"   It is believed that youth are not engaged in today's political or cultural events. Also, youth are not culturally aware of their surroundings such as values, beliefs, and percepti
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SEVEN Characteristics of Youth Work

1. Youth Work is an educational practice    "[Youth workers are] Primarily educators who engage with young people in diverse settings." Today, youth workers are found in various organizations whether it may be in after-school program or local nonprofit, private organizations. "Youth Workers build and sustain open and trusting relationships in order to create the conditions for learning." As professionals, youth workers ensure that the work setting is a friendly environment for all young participants to enjoy and learn.   2. Youth Work is a social practice   Youth Workers not only assist with educational activities but they are also there to guide young people with personal situations. "'Case work' approaches to working with young people, for example through the provision of personal information, advice, and guidance work." I currently work at William D'Abate Elementary School and Boys and Girls Club where often times students natur
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