What do you enjoy most about being an educator?
In working with young people I find that I most enjoy their energy and abilities to transform and grow in different spaces. They are always so eager to learn new things and to share what they have learned with those around them. It’s interesting to see their different personalities begin to truly develop and it’s amazing to see how they take to their own personalities.
What was your favorite school subject growing up?
Art was my absolute favorite subject growing up. I was and still am a very creative individual. Art was very calming; I could be a creative perfectionist and still have fun. I took great pride in my artwork because I enjoyed doing anything that required me to pay close attention to detail and to think outside of the box.
What influenced you to choose a career in youth development?
I’ve always enjoyed working with young people. I experienced various opportunities to work with young people both abroad and here in the United States and I knew that I wanted to continue working with young people in a long-term capacity during my senior year in college. I had been working on my independent study which centered Black Girlhood and its connection to non-profits. I wanted to know the role non-profits played in the lives of young girls of color. That’s when it hit me: I have a true passion for youth development and understanding society’s impact on our young people.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve been given, was told to me by one of my aunts. She told me to never limit myself and that if I’m going to do something, I need to make sure that it’s what I want to do and not what others expect of me.
What’s your favorite way to relieve stress?
I take my personal time very seriously, so when I decide that I need to regain my energy, I usually stop by the store and pick-up all of my favorite foods and then binge watch TV shows (preferably something funny).
What’s one activity/hobby/ritual you do regularly to support your own emotional well-being?
I find that talking with my friends is a good way for me to make sense of what feelings & emotions I may have. They give me great advice and of course, make me laugh. It’s very important to have that core group of friends who know you.
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