YDev2020

 THE "PRE".. The word care prior to these readings/viewings, I always just thought of it as having the best interest in the individual. Wanting to see them better their current situation/life, wanting to see them grow as a person, wanting them to have the best foot forward for their future. Along with this care has always reminded me of the word time. Because in reality, if you don't spend the time to invest in your relationship with that person, take the time to maintain and grow that relationships with that person do you actually care? Actions speak louder than words, and being someone who cares or claims to care is someone who will not stop showing up.          THE "POST".. After watching and reading, I realized I have somewhat of a path that resembles some of what they said. However, I have forgot or missed out on some key points of the word care and its meaning in youth spaces. Value their opinions, their concerns, their questions and allow them to be heard

Think of how many communities are impacted everyday, now think of how many children in those communities are affected? They are being heavily weighed on by strong social forces that contribute to the oppression within their communities. For youth development spaces and workers to be able to truly understand, advocate and influence these children in a positive way it is not only essential but required to take these social forces into account.                           Just as the article mentioned that the youth doesn't only endure a physical toxin but a mental toxin. We all endure these of all ages, but it is important to learn how to recognize these mental toxins, so that we can remove them from our environments and ultimately our life. Although, it is much easier too spot a physical toxin it can become easier to recognize a mental toxin such as oppression and poverty as the article mentioned. Recognition is a huge part of the problem though. People, adults, youth, all endure oppr

               "The kids are playing games -- they are  leading  games, and they are laughing and learning. Everyone knows each other's names. And I saw the coach pull a kid aside and ask how his grandmother was feeling now that she is out of the hospital. I was a competitive basketball player in high school. Our practices didn't look like this at all. I remember being yelled at by my coaches, and we did a lot of challenging and repetitive drills, over and over until we 'got it right.' I thought sports were for people who could grit through the pain, and come out on top. The wrestling program is so different" Hearing about a high school practice in such a relaxed tone compared to my high school practices felt weird or out of place. This was not my normal and was far from it. However, it is comforting to know that a high school wrestling program can have such a culture where the student-athletes can be productive in an athlete lead and low stress environment. T