Why do we do what we do?
Positive YD
"Youth are thoughtful, creative people who deserve opportunities to practice leadership with supportive, professional adults by their side" (McKamey, Bogad, Clemons, Restler).
Me: The potential of youth is untold when youth are given the opportunity to be in an supportive environment to cultivate their potential. I agree with this statement as I have witness how supportive adults that make themselves available to meet youth where they are has allowed youth to challenge themselves and grow in areas that produce great leadership abilities.
"The team assured her that the YD program views switching placements as an opportunity and not as a failure" (McKamey, Bogad, Clemons, Restler).
Me: This thought truly spoke to me as I found it to be comforting and realistic. Typically, the idea is once you are placed somewhere there is no chance to explore others things if it doesn't work out. The idea that you can recognize something that does not align with what you want to pursue or advance in is quite limiting. When it comes to internship placements I think learning what you don't want to do or are not passionate about is just as important than making something work because you know you can.
"PASA’s approach to expanded learning is about making intentional connections between the community and schools, through academic content, but also through collaborative teaching practices and real-world, hands-on learning experiences" (mypasa.org).
Me: I appreciate this approach from PASA, being intentional in the connections we make and how we make them is conducive to growth. This approach also display a multi-facet opportunity to learning and connecting the different practices.
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Hey Steph I love the quotes you picked. I also felt drawn to the quote "The team assured her that the YD program views switching placements as an opportunity and not as a failure" (McKamey, Bogad, Clemons, Restler). I remember feeling scared and worried in college about switching majors and changing career paths. It was so nice reading about people who support change and growth in students and want to see the student thrive in whatever situation. I also love that the student stood up and said this did not align with their goals and values. Being able to reflect and know where your passions lie and is so important in youth work, because it is how we find our path and workplaces that resonate with us.
ReplyDeleteSteph, I'm also excited to say I landed in the Positive Youth Development ideology category! I connected with the third quote you picked from PASA about the importance of making intentional connections as well as using hands-on learning experiences. I believe giving youth the opportunity to DO and not just observe is paramount to their ability to develop, grow, and thrive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, Steph and for sharing these quotes.
ReplyDeleteHey Steph!
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you chose the first quote as well—it really resonated with me. However, I love how you highlighted something I hadn’t fully considered: the immense potential that youth possess. You’re absolutely right—so much of it goes untapped, and it’s fascinating to think about how that potential could flourish when young people are placed in environments that truly nurture and support their strengths. By providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities to develop what they’re naturally great at, we can unlock capabilities that might otherwise remain dormant. It's a reminder of how critical it is to invest in youth, not just academically, but holistically, to empower them to thrive.