Jana's First Reflection

I was thrilled when I saw the listing for the Adolescent Health Promotion Class. After spending a year and half in the District I have gained a great passion for the youth of today in DC. I spend a lot of time talking to the youth I meet on the street, at the grocery store, the mall or wherever about smoking, or going to college, or how it is growing up in the district. The stories that I hear about violence, teen pregnancy, drugs and in general day-to-day life in the District will forever haunt me. It is because of these experiences that I have a great respect for the youth in DC. The youth need as much encouragement because everyone around them expect them to fail. On the other hand I have a lot of fun talking to the youth because I am the most seemingly unsuspecting person that the youth might listen to . . . but for some reason sometimes a few people do listen to my soapbox on health related issues or just life in general. I have learned so much from the youth in DC, and I would like to learn how I can do more to help them more.

I hope to gain a more formal knowledge of how to present and communicate health education in an effective and age-appropriate manner. I would also like to be become more familiar of the policies regarding what can be taught about particular health-related information in the DC public schools in general. I am hoping to learn how to plan for a lesson or workshop in the most effective and also fun manner that students will have the most meaningful experience about the topic being discussed.

I feel as though I have a fairly good understand of the DC area and the poverty that is affecting the district. I have spent a lot of time in the community talking to the youth on the street and have also spent a lot of time networking with the youth. I pride myself with striving to keep up on the latest "hip-hop" news, and trends so that I can know my audience. I am not afraid to ask questions, approach basically anyone and to be always ask for help!

As I post on this blog I would like to showcase some of the talented youth that I am in contact with. . .

Crucial Thoughtz aka Paul Spires. . .





for more posts about DC youth of today check out my blog at http://nwtose.com

Katy’s First Reflection

My first public health internship required me to do extensive research on adolescents, specifically on how to most effectively market new health behaviors to them. It was during this research that the complex nature of adolescents became obvious. Through my work and schooling it has become obvious that working with adolescents requires a specific understanding of what makes them tick. In addition to gaining the knowledge necessary to work with adolescents, the ability to gain practical experience working with adolescents attracted me to this course.

I am most looking forward to the practical experience that I will gain during this course. Most of my experience in public health has occurred in an office setting and I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop portfolios and work in the community. I also hope to gain a more clear understanding of adolescents that I can carry with me into my future professional work.

My schooling and experience have helped me hone my abilities in health communication and marketing. I have specific experience in creating materials and programs for adolescents, both professionally and academically. My undergraduate education also provided me with a solid base of health education methods that will contribute to the creation of health workshops.

Welcome 2009 Spring Semester Students!

Change is in the air! At these very auspicious times for our world, you will be taking a class that will allow you to connect your academic knowledge, your uniqueness, and the 'tricks' learned in this class to the world of adolescents that is waiting for you to join in and bring about change... and be changed!

Both Prof. Sara Marques and Prof. Alis Marachelian have created this space for you to track your personal reflections, anecdotes, and 'lessons learned' in the course of the spring semester.

We hope you enjoy this journey towards understanding a bit more that special stage in life called 'adolescence' -now as the adults that you are- as well as to develop and apply your skills as Health Professionals in teaching "health" to youth with the interactive, youth-focused strategies and techniques learned in and outside the classroom.

We have made this blog 'public' and we've seen all the "traffic" it's had since your predecessors started writing their reflections. Feel free to browse but not copy! The wisdom gained through your unique experiences, ideas developed, and challenges you've overcome will be a valuable asset to all those who read it. Please write knowing that the whole world will be reading!

And so, we begin our journey together...

" A candle will never lose its light by lighting another candle"