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I just wanted to provide a more positive perspective on our youth here on this side of the Big Island. I just had the privilege of participating in the Student Led Conferences at my school. This occurs twice a year, and every single student (including special education students) at the school where I teach presents an overview of their work and leadership to a panel of their peers, family and teachers. They each spend 45 minutes explaining and demonstrating what work they did this trimester, and how they have shown leadership by being a benefit to our learning community. Those who had less than stellar trimesters for the most part took ownership of their mistakes and explained how they planned to do better in the future. Some of those kids were so honest about themselves and how they need to change, with no whining and no excuses. Students on the panels held each other responsible for their actions and attitudes with a tough love mix of compassion, caring, and brutal honesty.
I cannot even begin to tell you what a privilege it was to sit on these panels and watch evolving young adults articulate who they are, what they've learned, and how they plan to move forward with their lives. I saw kids bring their panels to tears, laughter and joy by being amazingly honest about who they are now and who they hope to grow into. These kids are the future and I just wanted to let all of you who are reeling from the recent HS violence in our community know that not all of our youth are violent thugs out to prove their worth by beating each other up.
Carol
Carol
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb
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This is brilliant! And a great follow on to some previous posts. Appreciate the post Carol!
-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/
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Thank you for the positive insight. We need to hear more good news.
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Thanks Carol,
I had a similar revelatory moment years back in California. The press seemed to be filled with tales of woe and gangs. It was depressing. Then I got heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity and found myself confronted with weekends full of young teens volunteering to help. And help they did. They worked hard, they worked happily and cheerfully, and they restored my faith in people.
There are so many more good kids out there than bad kids. They deserve to be recognized and supported.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Carol, thank you so much for this wonderful thread. The honesty is moving. We had two foster kids in particular graduate high school recently. One is now at Chamanade on full scholarship - and wants to do social work and give back to Hawaii kids. The other will be a Chef. Many happy tears are shed here.
Carrie Rojo
http://ppl.blastoffnetwork.com/carrierojo
http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com
"The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it." Galadriel - LOTR
Carrie Rojo
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future..." Galadriel LOTR
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I believe there are more good people than bad in this world, and it sure helps to hear stories like this. Thank you, Carol, for sharing a more positive view of today's youth.
aloha, Liz
"The best things in life aren't things."
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Carol, thank you for sharing this very positive story. Forgive me if you have already posted this, but could you please let us know which school has such a forward-thinking approach to learning and responsibility?
Cheers,
Jerry
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Young Life is a very positive group that is involed in our high schools in Fairbanks Alaska. Its something I would like to bring to Puna and starting a youth football program is high on my list. I have sponsors in line I just need to get through the next three years and retire[8D]
The more adults that have the time to be around our youth the better our youth become. What we need is to take time to give back in any way possible. I see tons of people on Punaweb with skills in food, art, building etc... that could give back to the youth.
Sometimes the answer is in ourselves.
Peace
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Great Post Carol.
Rusty, you might have added that Young Life is also an evangelical Christian group. Campus Life is another such group. I don't believe in religious groups being on campus or having school related activities. Long story behind this belief, but I think religions belong in Church or private Christian Schools.
Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany
www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com
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weather you think it belongs or not is your opinion and is respected but its a very positive interaction that some kids find needed and enjoy. no religion preached but much about love and caring about each other is.
each of us can bring something positive just find the right fit and we are off and running to a better life for the youth of today and tomorrow. ive seen lives turned around through Young Life and football, even wrestling.
I am sad to hear that your experience was not a pleasant one. you seem very positive when i read your posts and i would enjoy meeting you someday and try some of your lovey food dishes!
peace
