Sunday, March 18, 2012
Journal No. 5
I went to the Lowell Community Health Center Teen Coalition yesterday after work. My first visit was cancelled because of February vacation, so I didn't know what to expect. Are these troubled teens? What kind of homes do they come from? Do they have any interest in being at the center or are they being forced to be there by their parents? After sitting and talking with the kids who attend the after-school program, all of the questions that I had were answered. The kids talked enthusiastically about things like going on college visits with the group and what classes they enjoy and don't enjoy. Some kids were getting homework done; others were helping prepare a survey that the LCHC administers every two years to the local high school and middle schools. The most enjoyable part of the experience happened around 3:30 in the afternoon, when one of the kids called everyone into the main room for a "Mood Check". Everyone in the room got a chance to tell the others what their mood was on a scale of one to ten, which I feel would be a great tool to use in managing a classroom. It got everyone involved and seemed to strengthen the connection between the kids. With everything that I saw, I can say that I am extremely impressed with the work that they are doing down at the LCHC Teen Coalition. The kids love being down there with each other and get a lot of help looking for and applying to colleges. I can only hope that more programs like the one at the Lowell Community Health Center will be opened in order to help those teens who may need some encouragement in taking the next step in their education. It is something that I am definitely interested in getting more involved with.
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John,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you said, it is a great place to be and to witness all of the good work that is going on there! When I went, the staff was so friendly and helpful; they were really excited to have us there and have us work with and help the kids. One of the women who worked there ( I think her name was Monique) took us around and gave us a tour of the rooms and an overview of everything they do there with the kids. You can tell that the staff genuinely care and love these kids and just want the best for them. I’m going back today and I am really excited to see the kids again.
It's funny that you mention your questions going in. When I started at the school that I'm at one of the administrators was explaining "procedures" and really made this school sound like something out of "Dangerous Minds" or "Freedom Writers". It got me a little nervous.
ReplyDeleteComing in here (and having just watched "Dangerous Minds") there are definitely some challenges, but I think that when we think "at risk" our minds might drift to thoughts of movies about these urban kids who are scary.
In a way, kids are kids are kids. No matter where you go, some things stay the same.
John, Kim and Eric,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading all your comments. I have been to the LCHC three times so far. I have spent 6 hours there so far. I plan on completing my remaining 3 hours soon. I feel I can do some more hours there just because it is fun to be there. The students over there seem friendly, enthusiastic and down to earth. I can see they will make successful businessmen/women, entrepreneurs, health care workers nurses. They have potentials that need to be tapped. I was totally touched by the staff over there. They are so dedicated, friendly and helpful. They are working for a genuine cause and its evident. Eric, I haven’t watched the movie, “Dangerous Minds”. I will be sure to watch it. I totally agree with you, Kids are Kids....No matter where you go...
I understand some of the questions that John had on his mind. I had similar question when I first visited. I feel very comfortable visiting them now. My first visit was a lot of fun. I played Taboo with these children. They were very vibrant and it took me on a different energy level. They seemed to have good vocabulary and a sound understanding of the world around them. Some of them also had the gadgets like iphone, ipod of the modern day, the gadgets that I don’t possess. They were very welcoming and accepting. I felt nervous doing my turn for Taboo, I thought may be I am different, I have an accent, and I may not be clear etc. But guess what? I did just fine with them and they were fine with me. I got 4-5 words of Taboo in one minute which is about average. I felt young and enthusiastic with them. I can feel that these students have hopes and dreams and they need guidance in the right direction.
I had very similar experiences at the Coalition as you all did. I was amazed at how engaged students seemed to be with their academics. Like John mentioned, the mood check part was very memorable and something important I put in my post as well. I think it is great that adults as well as teens are showing that they care how each other feel. I hope these students bring these outlooks and values into adulthood. If they do, maybe the world can be a better place. I was shocked how responsible and mature these students were and if you had told me they were from an inner city background, I would have never believed it.
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