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 Blog #4: Work with Youth

The statement, "Youth work is about supporting young people in finding their voice and place in society," caught my attention. I discovered that developing trust outside of the classroom and providing informal education are essential components of youth work. Three key terms are empowerment (gaining control and confidence), participation (youth having a voice), and informal education (learning outside of the classroom).

Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, which mentor young people and give them the tools they need to succeed, provide a real-world connection to this (link).

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 Blog #3: My Principles

I discovered through the values exercise that honesty, growth, and family shape my life and decisions. I stay rooted in relationships and decisions because of these values. According to Psychology Today, recognizing one's own values can help people make more informed decisions and feel less stressed, which is how this relates to the real world (link).

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 Blog #1: This Book Is Racist

I was forced to consider my own identity and the ways racism manifests itself in daily life after reading this book. While some of the content was recognizable, it served as a reminder that anti-racism requires ongoing action.

Movements like Black Lives Matter, which expose systemic racism and demand change, provide a tangible connection to this (NPR link). The movement and the book both emphasize the value of speaking up.

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 Blog #5: In the Heights, Breathe

I can relate to the song "Breathe" because Nina's battle with pressure and disappointment seems so genuine. Expectations can sometimes become so burdensome that you just need a moment to yourself. Her words struck a chord with me because I've experienced that same weight before.

This also has a real-world application. Simple breathing techniques have been shown by Stanford Medicine to lower stress and elevate mood (link). Like Nina, we all require those times to pause, take a deep breath, and regroup.