Blog #3 "Shall We Play"

High school experience …

I started working with youth my freshmen year of high school at the Met high school.  At The Met, I interned at hope high school. At hope high school I got a chance to work with toddlers and infants. Hope high school was not the best fit for me because I did not get a chance to do what I really wanted to do. My advisor than placed me in a school setting, so I can plan lesson plans , go out in the community with the students. My second internship took place in Meeting street elementary school! At this school site, I was able to assist the teacher with lesson planning, read aloud, and explore the community with the kids.

College experience working with youth!

My freshman year of college I decided to apply to the YMCA. I worked at the YMCA for four years ... I recently decided to quit, so I can have a chance to explore different jobs related to the YMCA.  At the Y I was hired as a lead staff as soon as I started working there. It was a great learning experience working at the Y. I got the chance to build relationships with the kids, families, and teachers at Pleasant view elementary school. The Y was the only job I committed to all year long. I also had the opportunity to work with a few of my kids during the school year at summer camp ! During the school year the Y has a after school program. The after school program is a great opportunity for the kids to get out of their their shells, explore the community, join clubs , and build relationships.

Now, I am currently working as a behavioral specialist and direct support professional at Perspective Corporation. Perspective Corporation is a private agency that provides support to children  and adults with disabilities. I recently started working there at the beginning of the school year and I love it! I work with a child and an adult. When I work with the child I help her with her social skills, build relationships, school work, and much more. I also get a chance to take the child out in the community! When I work with the adult I am responsible to take him to his job sometimes, train him on how to take the bus,  career development questions, and social skills.

The “Shall we play” article states different main points such as passion, participation, and pleasure. The three main points that I listed are part of the youth work that I have been involved in. Also the three main points all play a role in the youth work that I’ve been apart of.