Why I am a Youth Worker:

• I am a staunch advocate for youth empowerment and self-determination.
• I am inspired by young people’s determination, energy and hope. I am inspired by the perseverance of young people who want to improve their lives through education, tenacity and hard work.
• I am passionate about working with at-risk students by engaging them in innovative programming that expands their world perspectives and involves them in positive community change.
• I work with young people to celebrate successes, reflect on learning opportunities and integrate their experience into future actions and life goals.
• I believe that young people inevitably surpass our highest expectations and achieve extraordinary results.
• My preeminent goal is the success of the young people I serve, best achieved through working with others who are dedicated to the same cause.
• I envision a community where no youth is considered at-risk and where all are respected as valued members of society.
• I promote the well-being of young people through education, leadership and community building.

I want to teach motivation, confidence, self-advocacy, work readiness, leadership and commitment to social justice and community development.

As a youth worker, I am a:

Mentor: I want to be a mentor who helps build the resiliency and capacity of young people in order for them to reach their fullest potential. I want to be part of a mentor-rich community in which every young person has access to individual nurturing, guidance and support the needs to become a confident, competent and caring adult. I hope to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing environment through a variety of teen-driven programming.

Relationship Builder: I want to build individual relationships with students by utilizing listening skills, providing direct feedback, creating opportunities for introspection and hold students for what they are capable of. I believe in the transformational power of relationships for young people.

Experiential Learner: I believe every young person student should have the opportunity to stretch their comfort zone, see how big the world can be, and realize they can play a positive role in it through opportunities that engage them in their communities and act them to reflect on their experiences.

Motivator: - I want to help young people learn that they can seize opportunities and succeed. I emphasize the importance of academic achievement, social awareness, social responsibility and goal setting for future aspirations.

Locksmith: I know the potential that so many young people possess and I help them unlock that potential.

Door Opener: I work to expand the horizons of young people and help young people create opportunities for themselves. I connect deserving young people with life changing opportunities. I work to established structured opportunities to become safe, healthy, resilient and confident community members.