Center For Resilience

The Center for Resilience seeks to empower people to empower themselves through the practice of mindfulness which fosters success in the classroom, community and workplace.

Vision:

Our vision is one of resilience.

We work in partnership to create a self-sustaining culture of fortitude in school, career, and life.

We envision communities where all people live lives of strength, purpose and compassion.

We inspire success one moment at a time.

A video I really enjoyed was of Amy Leclaire from William D'Abate Elementary school. Amy talked about her experience as a kindergarten teacher to children who have never previously attended any sort of schooling before. She pointed out that most start off having a hard time transitioning from recess/play into learning math or other subjects. As a result of the resilience program the youth are encouraged to redirect and focus themselves in the classroom after returning back from recess, lunch, or other free time. 

I 100% support programs like this. They encourage youth as well as provide structure and learning advantages. The videos I watched reminded me of our work with Calcutt Middle School as well as work I do at the preschool i currently work at. 

Event 2: Lemonade

I attended the presentation of Beyonce's Lemonade on Wednesday, October 12th 2016. The presentation was held by our own RIC professor Leslie Grinner. I am an enormous Beyonce fan and even bigger fan of her newest and controversial album titled Lemonade.

The album Lemonade is considered controversial in the spotlight today due to the representation and lyrics of the album that are core issues in our society today. These issues include the topics of feminism and racism. During the presentation, Leslie Grinner informed us that the album was highly criticized by Bell Hooks, a profound black feminist. Bell Hook believes Lemonade exploits images of black female bodies. Its all about the body and the bodies commodities.

Besides the great songs and artists featured on Lemonade, I personally support this album because of Beyonce so freely expressing herself and opinions. Beyonces freedom of speech relates to the youth worker I want and hope to be. I want to be able to voice my opinion and I definitely want the youth I work with to do the same. I want todays youth to feel empowered in expressing their voice and to remain true to their own personal beliefs and experiences.

Here is the link to Bell Hooks response to Lemonade:

http://www.bellhooksinstitute.com/blog/2016/5/9/moving-beyond-pain

Event 1: Little Learners Open House

On September 28th 2016, Little Learners Preschool and Enrichment Center had their annual Open House Event. This event allows the parents to meet with all teachers and get a glimpse into their children's learning day. This is a volunteer event but participation of all staff members is needed in order for the Open House to run smoothly.

We sent out personal invitations beforehand. We allowed the students to construct the invitations using art materials. Throughout the first few weeks of school, we spent much of our time taking as many pictures of the students as possible. After our brief presentation to the parents, we use the photos previously taken as a slide show to view while they mingle and walk around. 

I greeted each parent at the door with a smile and a handshake. I offered at least one or two positive remarks about their child. After chatting briefly, I suggested them to check out the artwork around the room, the bulletin boards, as well as the refreshment table!

A color wheel craft completed in September that was hung on the walls of the classroom for Open House 2016!

Overall, the event was highly successful. Good first impressions make all the difference, and the first event of the school year gives teachers/youth workers a chance to gain parents/families support. It also allows the opportunity to create a personal connection with parents and establish ways for continued communication throughout the school year.

Rock the Vote

3 questions I have for the class regarding the upcoming election include:

1. How can we get today's youth to understand why becoming an informed voter is necessary?

2. What if one candidate wins the popular vote and the other wins the electoral college?

3. Who is in charge of funding presidential campaigns?

As a proud citizen of the United States, I feel it is my duty to vote in the upcoming presidential election. As a responsible young adult, I want my voice to be heard and my vote to count. Placing my vote on the ballot will allow me to use my voice to chose who I believe will fit best as the next president of our country. Something that tends to shy me away from the voting booth is simply being told that my vote "does not count." This is a common excuse that's rooted in the belief that the Electoral College chooses the President, not the voters. This upcoming election certainly has drawn my attention and I was glued to my television during the presidential debates. I am not fond of either candidates and am very nervous for whats at stake for our country. I am looking forward to voting in the election next week and am ready to continue making changes in our country.