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