CONNECTION
In Youth Programming: Positive bonds with people and institutions that are reflected in exchanges between the individual and his/her peers, family, school, and community.
These artifacts highlight the bonds, relationships, and connections I made throughout the YDL program. These assignments and having real-world experience, have really helped guide me in fostering positive professional relationships.
CASE STUDY: YOUTH
YDP 8050: Context of Family
Individual
This assignment was challenging in a way that forced me to grow and go out of my comfort zone. Being able to connect with and build trust with a youth in our network, who also interned in the office at CNAY, was a great experience. I feel very honored that she was able to share with me about her family and childhood. Many of the youth I work with do in fact come from single-parent homes, so it was greatly valuable to work with a youth who had this experience and shared with me in ways that I was able to apply theory. Finding ways to promote success from an academic perspective has helped me understand the importance of family inclusion and ensuring the office I work in is safe and inviting to any youth who may walk through the door.
YOUTH-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
8000: Foundations
Collaborative
Focusing on the reservation and tribal community I grew up in, helped connect theory, practice, and application in this assignment. Being able to connect with those who currently work for the tribe, and specifically with Quinault youth, helped me to build connections with those doing youth work. Understanding that a lack of resources, especially focused on lack of staff and volunteers, made me realize that we can develop all the programming we want, but we must have community support in order to succeed. To create a youth-friendly community on the Quinault reservation that is thriving, activities and programming must be informed by the youth, supported by the community, and incorporate family, school, and peer groups.
E-QYP: VISION BOARD
YDP 8010: Adolescent Development
Collaborative
“Make your vision so clear that your fears become irreverent.” – Kerwin Rae
Creating an activity, while not re-inventing the wheel, was a great experience to not only put E-QYP practices to use in a fun and interactive way, and also allowed me to gather real feedback from colleagues. Getting feedback from my co-workers was constructive and extremely helpful in creating applicable modifications for the Vision Board activity. Having access to E-QYP content has helped me in developing and suggesting more intentional programming and program design, which includes cognitive and emotional development considerations.
ORGANIZATIONAL CASE STUDY
YDP 8000: Foundation
Individual
Having a deeper understanding as an employee at CNAY, this paper highlighted the importance of our work in Indian Country. Specifically helping to improve my communications and management skills. As part of this project, I was able to have constructive conversations with my future co-workers about the organization, the mission, and why our values were important. This case-study also helped further highlight the unique youth that are often underserved in the United States and how important it is to include Native Americans in discussions about youth development and youth work.
Most great learning happens in groups. Collaboration is the stuff of growth.