IALHEA Youth and Social Justice Conference and sound bite: networking is the key to being successful.

The event was very inspirational and motivating. I love seeing young people do something to help their communities. It shows the promise in these students, as well as, their leadership skills. This conference fostered these young students’ achievements. Being in the audience along with students from the early outreach program, I felt honored to be presented with these students’ projects that are committed to their passion for change.

The two workshops that I chose to go to were about Gentrification, Housing, and Youth in Logan Square and the other was about The Dream Act. I learned a lot of new and interesting information in each. I was able to connect with the students and other participants. The documentary that was shown by two Latino students from Kelvyn Park High School on gentrification in Logan square was phenomenal. I was able to talk to them and exchange contact information, so I can have them present their project to my students this summer for Each One Teach One. I was also able to get information from the Latinos Progresando/ College-Bound Youth Group about there upcoming events and there plans of petitioning to get The Dream Act passed.

A group of young men are juniors at Roberto Clemente High School, off of Division in Humboldt Park, created a project at their school to unite the African American students and the Latino students. These men were very bright and articulate. They kept our attention by giving us a description of their intentions with their project and the changes they’ve seen since they began their project. Just like the other group from Logan square, I was able to ask them to talk to my students this summer. All were very excited and very flattered. I believe that everyone should be aware of what they have done. We had a different experience when talking to each group; however, talking to the students showed us that the event was successful in fulfilling their goals was uplifting and inspiring young African American and Latino students.

I was able to make a lot of connections at this conference for my organization. The most important thing I learned in class is that networking is the key to being successful. It funny how this small this world is and how important networking really is. Usually one Friday a month, the manager team of Each One Teach One gets together to get updates on our progress, Our last meeting a lady that happened to be listening in on our meeting was able to talk to Janisse and get information for her son to be apart of the program, but the was I was positioned I actually didn't get to see her face. Today at the conference in one of the workshops. I met a lady who is a grad student at Governors University in communications. She was talking about a back to school event that she holds every year, so I was able to connect with her on that. She notice that I was affiliated with Each One Teach One and we realized that she was the same women listening in on our meeting. lol.

At the beginning of the semester i was very timid about stepping outside my comfort zone. I was very reserved when it came to completing a new task; however I have gone tremendously. I am no willing to stepping outside of my comfort zone to get thing done because if I don't how else would it get done. I have learned that I have to take more responsibility in the things I do and don't expect anyone else to complete my task. I am getting better at planning and creating an agenda. I have gotten better at time management. I know carry around a planner with all my appointments and my to do list for the week. I am know able to be more forward to get something that I want. I don't make haste to do things anymore. I take my time and thoroughly think about what I want to do and how I will get it done. I learn that hard times is amazing when i am having a hard day or week. I have now found my calling in youth development and/or social work. My goal at the beginning of the semester was to start my own non profit organization, but i have realized why i should start my own... when i can work with someone Else's organization and build from there. This is no point in starting a new organization when there are others out here that need guidance in completing their own goals and objective. i will be a blessing to someone else. The whole planning wall and first steps was a new concept for me, but it was easy to understand. i am going to teach my students a lot of things that i have learned in class and conduct a lot of workshops we did in class. I like that this class was straight forward to the point. There was no room for BS in this class and it help us learn that we can't just do minimal work and expect to succeed in life. We have to bust our bust to make a change in our own lives and other, but we have to do what is needed to make that happen. We can;t sit around and believe that everything will be handed to us. We have to to go search for what we want and pursue it. We can have people along the way that will push us in the right direction, but we have to do the "dirty" work on our own. we have to want the things we want in like and go for it. Today at the conference a saying by a man name Allen Bryson has encouraged me tremendously, "Remember to 1) learn something, 2) teach someone, 3) become someone, and 4) change someplace." This wasn't much about this class that i didn't like because as frustrated as i was with trying to complete all my interview, it was assigned to me for my own good. it pushed me to be more open and aggressive towards people. I hated every bit of it in the beginning, but after each interview the next one got easier and was always refer ed to someone else to help me out. i just had to make the effort to find those people who would actually sit down with and openly talk about their success and how i will be successful too. Leadership for change should be a bigger class because i feel students should be grouped together by there goals and create a project and present it at the end of the semester. A project that could be implemented in our comm unites. I know this idea may be too much for a class, but it would be fun to see projects that students have done. it shows there leadership and the motivation for change. If high school students can do it, we can too.

Business Meeting

In the meeting this week, I have ask my roommate to keep on me about completing all my work for the end of the semester. She is usually good at checking up on me and making sure that I'm staying focused, but I need her to be super duper tough on me. She is my personal nagger. Imma regret this later on because she is a good nagger. She bugs me now with all the nagging about doing my work and not having the T.V. on at the same time. She has agreed to make sure that I cut all ties with my T.V. and Facebook for the rest of the semester.

Keanae has her handsful as well. She has plenty of test and quizzes to study for and i'm going to make sure that she studys hard. I have set up times with her every night to study nonstop for an hour per subject for the rest of the semester. Along with the non stop studying, i have been told to confiscate her phone. She talks non stop on her phone and it becomes her biggest distraction. We are shooting for all "A's."

Sunday Meeting

I sat down had some "me" time. This Sunday I realized how much I have gotten accomplish; however, I feel so behind. Last week I did slack off on completing my theory paper, but my first step for this week was to get halfway done with my paper; I did that in one day. I was able to send out e mails to students interested in my non profit org and I received three of those e-mails back. I decided that will accomplish everything that I need to do. There have been e-mails that I have not got responses to, so I made sure to write down that I needed to resend those e-mails during the week. I have resent those e-mails and have one person respond back. On my list, I included my plans of continuing to do my research paper, even though it hasn't been assigned yet, I needed to e-mail Angela about talking to someone at her son's school; accomplished that. I think that the Sunday planning helped me get more organized, even though I have a planner to let me remember things I need to do. I was able to go back over my planner and make sure tha ti got everythign done and add more things to my list.

Steps...

It is getting harder and harder accomplishing my goals. Everything is not working out the way it is suppose to be. I'm trying to graduate on time, but i can't do that unless I pass this SOC 385 class this semester. This classis kicking my butt. I said i would attempt to get halfway done with my paper and I've done that, but i'm getting so discouraged. I don't want to feel like this anymore. Hopefully I will get a good grade on this next paper. To stay positive I constatntly have to tell myself.. I WILL PASS THIS CLASS. EVEN IF IT KILLS ME. I won;t let it stress me out. God know I don't need anymore stress in my life. I CAN DO THIS. I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.

Steps

It is getting a little hard completing all my steps. This are just getting so stressful and I can't focus much anymore. I'm trying to keep my good grades so I can graduate on time which is one of my steps

Buddy System

My buddy is my roommate Keanae. We usually use this buddy system and didn't even realize it. This time our meeting was a little bit more scheduled. She was there for me during my hard times... and vice versa. We plan to talk again next week tuesday at the same time. I like the buddy system

First Steps

I'm in the process on completing website for my internship. I am now looking for people to proof read my information and critique my website.

Besides that i have successfully worked with a partnership with U of C for my program. Also, this weekend while I was volunteering at the Boys and Girl club, I was able to talk to the program director about partnership with my program I work with, Each One Teach One. I talked to him about office space and recruitment of his students for our program this summer. He is willing to work together as a team to make a change in these young peoples lives. I am currently working with him and negotiating.

Reflecting on Fear

I always aim to make my mom proud and keep her happy. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that she will be thrilled about the amount of money I will make with the career I have chosen. No matter what she is going to accept anything that I want to do, but she will always worry about me. Money isn't everything in the world to her, but she does not want to see me struggle like she is because all she has to pay for herself and everyone else. I'm on all loans for school, so she is working her tail off to pay for them; in addition, looking for another job. I have to to be marketable and get a job that will allow me to help her pay for the loans. However, my hope to make more money in the future is allowing me not to fret so much. I know how to save money and budget so I'm not too worried. I will have stability financially. the fear of disappointment is eating me up inside. I have to prove so much to everyone and to my mom. I am my own person and I'm allowed to do what makes me comfortable and happy. I will make due with what I have. I have more than one goal; so whatever I do, I will be fine financially.
I have an issue with survival fear.

STEPS TO SUCCESS

1) Rock advised me to talk to a grad student, who is currently living the life I want to live. I was able to get in contact with him last week. We are still working out times to meet and talk. I look forward to talking with him about his future endeavors and what I can do to reach my own goals.

"Hello Althia,

How are you? Yes, I am a graduate student in the college of education's Educational Policy Studies doctoral program. I will definitely sit down with you after spring break and offer some advice about navigating the graduate school process."

2) I FINALLY FINISHED THAT FREAKING PAPER.... GOSH... I WORKED MY TAIL OFF ALL LAST WEEK. I WORKED ON THAT PAPER ALL SPRING BREAK. I SACRIFICED MY FREE WEEK FOR A GOOD GRADE. THE FRUSTRATION WAS ALL WORTH IT BECAUSE I HAVE TURNED IT IN AND NOW I CAN DO WHAT I PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wall

Notecard/Wall

I got accomplished everything i needed to that I work on my note card. It feels good that i'm actually getting somewhere with my goals, but still don't know what I'm going to do for the rest of my life. I have so many different routes that i can go that it is ridiculous.

Blown Away

The success group in class are very helpful. i got a great contact from my classmates and i am so greatful for their help. THANKS SHAKITA AND JAMES!!!!!!!!! I sent an e-mail to one of my new found contacts in AAAN and received that best e-mail ever. She was apologetic for responded to my e-mail late, but the e-mail made up for the tardiness in itself.

" Hello,I am sorry it has taken me while to get back to you. I will be more than happy to meet with you to discuss your career goals further. Shakita and James are some of my favorite students so anyone that knows them are friends of mine :0)

I have attached a nonprofit start-up guide to this email to assist you as you start your nonprofit"

A fantastic e-mail goes a long way...


I'm not able to conduct an interview with her until tomorrow or next week. my schedule is so busy that I only have time to send out e-mails. I am excited to sit down with her at talk about what it takes to start a non profit org.

unexpected interview

At my internship yesterday, I had to help my supervisor sort through boxes he had in his office that has been there since he started at children's home and aid. We got to talking about school and my plans for the future and my reasoning for working with the organization. It turned into a interview and i was able to ask a lot of follow up questions. I learned that he was from compton in california and made it out of the hood; additionally, graduating with a public affairs and business degree. He now owes his own business, properties, and his own house. We talked about coming out of college with a job sometimes seems to be imposiible, but he told me that I have to make the situation work for me. When he got out of undrgrad and started law school, he worked as a substitute teacher for income. He said it provide him statbility, which I am looking for. Eventhough he doesn't have the same career venture i am pursuing, we have similar goals. I do want to open up my own business and he has one. He went through a lot to get to where he is at now. I enjoyed our conversaton and was excited that i got to talk to him rather then just listen to what he has to dictate at me. I learned at lot from our conversation and look forward to talk to him again next week. I have found a new connect and he said that he will guide me to finding what i really want to do after undergrad.

Interview # 4

-When did you figure out your career goal?


-How long did it take for you to figure it out?


-What inspired you?

-Who did you look up too?


-What did you do to overcome hard times?


-Who supported you?


-What school did you attend?


-Did you attend graduate school?


These are the questions that I wanted to ask my interviewee, but the person i had line up, wasn't available. Even for my last interview, I had someone else in mind, but couldn't get in contact with them, so I used Ms. Fuller. If all fails, I would love to teach freshman in high school.

Interview # 3- Ms. Fuller

-When did you figure out your career goal?

During High School, I really enjoyed taking the practicum classes. I took Health rotation classes and child development classes. I enjoy the child development classes because we were able to get hands on experience. It showed me that I enjoyed teaching children, particularly younger elementary children.


-How long did it take for you to figure it out?

It took me throughout high school to figure out that i wanted to work in the education system. It wasn't until my second year of high school that I decided to work with kids in high school.

-What inspired you?

My teachers that have helped me through my school years.

-Who did you look up too?

My Freshman year English teacher Ms. Newman.

-What did you do to overcome hard times?

I talked with other students in the same field as I was. I relied on my good judgment to get me through.


-Who supported you?

My family and friends


-What school did you attend?

Loyola University

-Did you attend graduate school?

No... I as able to get a teaching position right out of college; however right now, I am working on my master's in policy studies.

Interview #2- Asia Posely

Asia is also apart of the Each 1 Teach 1 literacy program. She is involved, however she is pursing to start working on her masters in sociology. She is currently working at the UIC medical center.

Interview #1- Janisse Norman

Just a background of Janisse Norman...


Graduating with a degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Illinois, Janisse Norman went on to work in Corporate America for the largest steel company in North America, Ryerson, as a Financial Analyst. After a sudden layoff, she realized that her heart was into working with young people, but this time as her own boss. She is the founder/executive director of Each One Teach One Literacy program.

With knowledge of her background, I was able to continue learning why she decided to start a non profit organization rather than finding another career in Corporate America. She told me that she found herself unsatisfied with her work in Corporate America, and founded this organization as a result. As we talked more about her organization, she emphasizes her passion about the organization that she had longed to finally start. With the research that she conducted, she saw that there is an urgent need for supplementary educational assistance with regard to Mathematics, and an even more intense obligation to Black students in poor neighborhoods. Janisse was getting ready to go out of town, so I wasn’t able to get a full interview with her. I was able to ask her brief questions by phone and when we met for tutoring. She is a great motivator and has given we a chance to be apart of her organization. She has made me the tutor manager for the Universal Family Connection located on the South Side. As a team member, I will have more contact with her and will be able to learn more about her as well as learn a lot from her.

contact emails for a few of my lives

1. Dave Stovall (e-mail: dostoval@uic.edu
2. Bernadine McCullough( e-mail:b636@netzero.com
3. Janisse Norman (e-mail: 4. Asia Posley ( I have her number handy)

I'm continuing to look for contacts...

Flow chart

(SHORT TERM GOAL)

HOw to successful finish up this semester

1. Time manage more efficiently
2. Prioritize
3. Get enough sleep
4. Continue to ween myself from watching TV
5. sTOP STRESSING
6. aSK MORE QUESTIONS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(LONG TERM GOAL)

hOW TO GET TO GRAD SCHOOL

1. BRING UP MY GPA
2. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, IF POSSIBLE
3. FIGURE OUT WHAT PROGRAM I WANT TO APPLY FOR
4. FIGURE OUT WHAT SCHOOL ACCOMMODATES MY INTEREST
5. SUCK IT UP AND ACCEPT THAT WILL BE LIVING AT HOME AGAIN
6. TYPE UP A PERSONAL STATEMENT
7. FINISH UP MY RESUME

pROBLEMS

1. iF I DONT GET FREE MONEY TO GO TO SCHOOL, I HAVE TO START SAVING NOW
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BECOME A RESEARCH
BECOME FOUNDER OF A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

1. OBTAIN MY MASTER'S IN CULTURAL AND POLICY STUDIES
2. OBTAIN pHD IN CULTURAL AND POLICY STUDIES IN URBAN Ed.
3. cONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER WITH OTHER NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
4. nETWORK MYSELF
5. fUNDRAISE
6. cREATE A MISSION STATEMENT
7. GET LEGAL ADVICE

THERE IS JUST SO MUCH THAT I WANT TO DO; HOWEVER, IT RELATES TO ONE MAIN GOAL. tO START AN ORGANIZATION, LIKE MANY OTHERS, THAT CATERS TO INNER CITY YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A FEW PIT STOPS ON THE WAY. I WANT TO FIRST CONTINUE TO COMMIT MYSELF TO EACH1 TEACH 1, WHERE I TUTOR KIDS ON CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE. I WANT TO BUILD MY SELF UP BY WORKING WITH OTHER NON PROFITS BEFORE I ESTABLISH MY OWN. iF I CAN'T ESTABLISH MY OWN, i WANT TO LEAD A BRANCH OFF OF SOMEONE ELSE'S ORGANIZATION AND MAKE IT MY OWN. i WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE BUILDING AND REPAIRING THE INNER CITES. tHROUGH MY LEADERSHIP, i WILL MAKE A CHANGE.

Trial run for my scrapbook

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

WOW!!!!!!!

WOW... that description describes me so well... i can't believe how accurate it is. I am a loving person that is very responsible and hates saying No. I am that person that hates conflict so I would do anything to avoid it. Wow I'm amazed. I don't even have much to say because the description describes we so well.

The Nurturer... TAKE 3

• The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.
  
• ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".
  
• The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

The Nurturer... TAKE 2

• ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.
  
• The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient.
  
• More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions.
  
• Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings.

The Nurturer

The Nurturer

• As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you takes things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system.
  
• ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.
  
• ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.
  
• ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method.
  

DREAM... Touchstone.. Role MOdel... TaRGEt

DREAM: Work as a director in a Early Head Start program in the inner city or work with CPS schools and implement enrichment programs that will help students.

Touchstone:CLOSENESS WITH CHILDREN AND POSITIVELY AFFECT THEIR EXPERINCES IN SCHOOL.

rOLe mODEL: THIS IS GOING TO BE REALLY WRIED, BUT MY ROLE MODEL IS daVE sTOVALL

tARGEt: oBTAIN MY phD IN POLICY STUDIES IN URBAN EDUCATION.... YAY!!!!!!!!!!

Your ideal Enviroment...

I want to be in a environment where it never snowed. Everyday was warm and sunny. It rained often and thunderstorms were frequent. Money grew on trees and everyone was able to buy whatever they wanted without any limitations.

Private eye game...

As i snoop are around the room... I see that that the person who lives in this room is somewhat organized. There are calenders everywhere: on the walls and on her desk. The books on the shelf that range from many different genres and the most interesting i've seen is her Zane book "After burn." There aren't many decorations, but the area rug show her vibrant style. The walls are dull, but that understandable cause she lives in dorm on UIC's campus. There are many pictures up on the wall. i assume that these are her family members, whom she seems to love very muhc. She was so careful of how hse arrange the pictures and have out them up with care.
Her radio that sits on the window sill, plays WGCI all day long. Her room shows that she is very collective and like things to be very subtle.

Ideal Family...

Loretta Devine... She reminds me of my mom abd they sort of look alike.

" she is gifted, caring, and high spirited. she reminds me of how i was younger." -Loretta Devine

-omar tyree

-lauren hill

-julia stiles

-beres hammond

Twenty things I love...

1. I love to read.
2. Eat chocolate.
3. Watch Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy
4. Watch Lincoln Heights and Secret Life of an american Teenager.
5. Listen to reggae music.
6. Listen to soca music.
7. Take road trips.
8. The smell of the air in Jamaica. (weird)
9. Take long walks.
10. Spend time wit my mom.
11. Chill at the Lake.
12. "Caking"
13. Keep busy
14. Do simple things
15. Play with kids.
16. Texting
17. Listening to "whispers in the dark"
18. Taking adventures
19. Being creative
20. Collecting pictures

Pick a color...

ANTIQUE GOLD..........
I am antique gold.
I am vibrant yet subtle.
I am treated like royalty.
I am shy, yet outgoing.
I am used for many occasions.
I can can bring best out of any color: blue, red, black, especially.
I lay low and observe my surroundings.
I am calm and collected.
I accentuate.
I am rich and valuable.

Assignment #2 cont.

One of the things I loved to do in high school was act like a BIG KID with my little kids in the daycare in my high schoool. We would ride bikes, swing on the swings, play monkey in the middle, the whole "ENCHILADA." Since high school, I haven't had the chance to let loose and be goofy without being judged. However, I get to intern at a daycare, so I get the chance to get wild and crazy. In the afternoons, my two year old friends and I get to use the gross motor room, where we ride bikes, play football, and go nuts. We have the best time screaming, running around, and having fun. Aaron and I rode the fire truck bike to chase Tavon around the room. We tossed the football around for a bit then played catch with the big balls ( haha they were bigger then the two year olds). It is always fun to "cut up" and act goofy with my friends. Acting like i'm two is hard work because of all that running and keeping up with all the other two year olds, but its just so much fun. Whooo... *gotta catch my breath* I can't wait to do that again next Friday. Somethings never get old. No matter how old I get, I will always find time to be a kid.

I interviewed my mom over weekend and the response were just what moms are suppose to say, which was somewhat embrassing.

These are her responses:

1.In the first 5 years of your life, you were very lovable, enjoyed going to the park, enjoyed interacting with other kids, and loved going shopping iwth me. Always loved going to the bathroom in every store. Always heads for the book section in the stores. Loved to read and loved to be independent.

2.Loved to read. Enjoyed riding your tricycle. enjoyed going to the park with your grandpa. Enjoyed goin to Daycare and School. You had the time of your life, when you were a flower girl in your pre school teacher's wedding. You had sparkling juice and thought that you had champange. You always found the book section in every store that we went to and always found a book to buy, which what made you unique. You always loved to jump rope. Lastly, you enjoyted playing the trumpet.

3. Thought that you would become some one who enjoyed working with children. You were alwaus so caring about others and nurturing other children who needed help.

Friends that believe in me!!!

1.You listen to people's problems without being judgemental! - Amanda
2.Your ability to love everyone for who they are, and the ability to admire them for who they are trying to be... SMILE -Christina
3.you are a very down to earth person and friendly! -Deborah
4.you are positve, and always there for me as a supporter and friend in anything i do. and really funny always making me smile! -AnnMarie (neice)
5.U keep it real,always find a reason to smile..ur a lovelyperson..ur a creative person..from makin up dance moves in C.V and ur organized.. -KerriAnn
6.ur a kind person.... lol. -Ciara
7.Ur a good listener -Courtney
8.you are sweet and kind hearted -Casie

9.The greatest gift you have is what you hold in your heart. In other words, your genuine appreciation of people, and you are kind and generous person. You have an open heart combined with an open mind and a readiness to give kindness and nurturance to everyone you know.
I love my friends!!!!- Khesanh

My frist chapter

I am taking Leadership for change because I'm looking for self empowerment. In order to better myself and understand my purpose and role in life, I would need the understanding of what a leader is. I also took this class because Dr. Rock was teaching this class. I'm interested and excited for any class that she is teaching. Many people that are in my class now was in another class I had with Rock last semester, so I've become comfortable with them and very close with many people. I'm hoping to leave with new friends and experiences.
I loved living in Evanston when I was younger because of where it was located. Even though Evanston is a so-called suburb, a city right outside of Chicago, it never felt like I was limited from anything. I lived three blocks from Chicago. I loved walking down Custer St. in the summer. Standing in the middle of Howard Street, being in Evanston and Chicago at the same time. We lived by the CTA yellow line and Purple line, as well at the Metra station and Howard station and a hospital, so I love hearing the trains and the ambulances that passed by constantly. Standing at the bus stop in the mornings waiting for the # 3 bus, I always wondered where the trains were going because I was young and dumb and didn't know anything. I wanted to get on one and just travel to the end of the line and back, just to see what I was missing since I couldn't venture passed Howard Street.
I always wondered if the story about the guy with bumps all over his body and had a baby voice lived down by the train tracks in the alley. I was curious as a kid, so my friends and I climbed the fence to see, but he didn't exist. Growing up I loved that there was always someone outside to play with. I miss the noises that soothed me as a kid. I loved being old enough to walk to the corner store by myself and buy $.5 laffy taffys, banana and the green apple flavor. Going to the park on thursdays for girl scouts, where we jumped double dutch, played other sports, made arts and crafts, and eat cookies and drink red kool-aid. I loved going to the basket ball tournaments at Clyde Callan before they tore down the courts. Hanging and getting in trouble with my cousins in the summer when they were visiting from Canada. So many memories and good times. I was a busy body as a kid. I had to always doing something like playing the trumpet, making arts and crafts, playing cops and robbers and hide and seek outside, amongst other things.
Now that I'm older and there has been so many changes, things aren't the same. I don't have fun like I used to. Nothing is innocent anymore. People have changed and so have I. I can't do simple things anymore, it is no fun when you don't have any company. Having a alright childhood and going through the experiences that I did, it has help build character, responsibility, morals, and leadership.