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FIELD POST #1: YARI Project Partners Convening

FIELD POST #1: YARI Project Partners Convening
 
Meeting the people behind the YARI project and getting to know all the kids who are part of this endeavor for the very first time has been one of the highlights of my YDEV MA program experience (by far). Everything that I've felt, learned and experienced from this meeting can be summed up into 3 stages.
 
Stage 1: Nervous and Uncertain
From the day I agreed to be a part of this project, I had the general understanding of what it is all about and in a way, what was required of me. However, I never really knew the specific details on how it is going to go about -- none of us did (I think). Days leading up to this meeting, all I remember was having that feeling of uncertainty in terms of what is going to happen. Nervousness hit me when I remembered/ realized that this is a year-long endeavor and its not like a regular course wherein I get a grade and move on to the next course after the semester is over. In my head I was thinking, "what if the kids who'll be assigned to me won't like me? Do I have what it takes to actually help them with their project? Worst, what if I end up being a crappy mentor to these kids?".
 
Stage 2: Engaged and Amused
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When I got to the event, I was greeted by individuals who already knew my name and were just so friendly. Shortly afterwards, we did the icebreaker activity and I remember telling myself, "damn, these kids are fierce and brave!". I couldn't help but reminisce about how I was when I was there age and no doubt, high school Jim would've not excelled in that activity.
 
I was in awe with their openness and willingness to just be out there in front of people. Finally, when I met my 2 mentees and we had our little introduction and getting to know activity, I was blown away by how amazing they are. These 2 kids, at a very young age, went through so much and know so much about the world (and their own identities) that I just found myself captivated and engaged by their stories.  
 
Stage 3: Excited, Hopeful and Grateful
When it was time to group together again and discuss possible research topics, Adi and Debra (my 2 awesome mentees) had the same exact ideas and topics and were throwing comments and questions back and forth. I tried my hardest to write down key concepts that they were putting out there and I just found myself smiling with excitement. These kids know more about these topics than I do because they've experienced it first hand. In the 20 minutes we had, I've learned so much about the education system and had a grasp of their individual experiences.
 
Adi and Debra know what they want to happen with their research topic/ project and I feel hopeful that something good will come out of this. I'm hoping that I can actually be of help to them in achieving success and hopefully in one way or another, can actually change some things that are wrong/ lacking in our current education system. Lastly, I feel grateful to be a part of this project and for having the chance to work with these amazing human beings that I know will do and achieve great things in the future. LET'S DO THIS!

Comments

  1. Victoria RestlerFebruary 10, 2020 at 5:59 AM

    What a fabulous post Jim! I can't wait to learn more with you, Debra and Adi and support you along the way!

    ReplyDelete

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