A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting

What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you?

For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file.  You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing.  The file that attempts to explain the reason they entered foster care, the length of time in the system, the changes in schools, the number of foster placements, health concerns, and any mental health screenings and diagnoses. The file containing this documentation is extremely important right? Essential even?!

I’m not speaking of the file that documents the thoughts and judgments of countless social workers, lawyers, doctors, and educators and barely contains the views of the youth in foster care. The accomplishments, aspirations, and support systems in a teen’s life are worth documenting.  Every teen is unique and full of promise and potential.  My teens document their lives in a professional portfolio — a visual tool that gives employers, recruiters, scouts, and mentors a complete picture of who you are.  I believe that a professional portfolio can be an integral element not only in building skills and confidence in youth but also in helping them develop and maintain crucial personal and professional connections.

Am I Really A Jack Of All Trades?

Many of us we are skilled in a variety of areas.  Our culture has taught us to multi-task like our lives depend on it (often times it does).  Throughout my career and definitely as an entrepreneur I have felt like a jack of all trades and a master of none on many occasions.  I have helped clients with housing, food, medical assistance, and clothing.  I have played the role of “work mom”, chauffer, parenting coach, stylist, and teacher.  Some days I have worn the hat of scholarship consultant, academic advisor, counselor, tour guide, and career coach.  I am truly a “do what needs to be done” kind of lady.  In fact, two of my most used phrases are “get it done” and “keep it moving”.  That’s good right?  Well, usually it is.

A few years ago I had begun to run on “auto pilot” for a couple months.   At times I would do a presentation or workshop simply because I had the knowledge or because I was asked.   I was forced to be honest with myself and take a look at how I was spending my time.  I realized that busy doesn’t always equate to productive.  I needed to make some changes.

How Will Your Youth Serve?

In our work world, evidence-based practice and evidence-based research are King.  Objectives, outcomes, and goals are commonplace.  In my supervisory role I stress that we have to have proof that we are doing really works.  I am a huge proponent of civic engagement and so as I was thinking about the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Day and the Youth Service America kick off a semester of service I decided to go a bit further and hit the internet to provide you with documentation that supports what I’ve seen in my experience and know in my heart is an effective aspect of youth development.

Should She Wear Her School Uniform?

During a recent presentation, a high school student asked if she should wear her school uniform to her job interview at a fast food restaurant the following day. Here are the facts – the young lady has a half day schedule at school and the potential employer is aware that she is a student and instructed her to come right after school. My answer was that she shouldn’t wear her school uniform to her interview if she had the ability to bring a change of clothing to school with her and change into it in ten minutes or less.

Young people need to know how to truly “dress for success”. Have you explained to your youth that fabric, color, length, fit, and style matter? Just because a student is wearing a skirt or a pair of slacks doesn’t mean they’re dressed professionally. Whether interviewing for a part-time position, applying for seasonal or summer work, or attending a college fair students should dress “up” with the option of going casual later if the environment permits.

Creating A Portfolio Build’s Winner Habits

The process of developing a portfolio in our Packaged For Success Program builds winner habits.  Success is within our reach.

A habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition.  Winner and losers do things differently.  They not only think differently but they also act differently.  Winners have habits that are valuable and move them forward.

Winner Habits:

1. Get Clear– You cannot achieve success or reach your goals without a clear vision.  You will not know if you are making progress is you do not know what you are working toward.  Clarity allows you to focus on what you want to accomplish.

2. Strategize and Plan – Winners create strategies and plans before they take action.  They do not waste time and energy by taking action without careful consideration.

3. Self-Motivation and Enthusiasm – Winners are proactive.  Winners do not wait for someone to tell them what to do.  Winners are go-getters who are enthusiastic about their goals.  When you are not passionate about something the work is like drudgery.  The excitement and enthusiasm that winners exhibit about their purpose and goals is often contagious.

Please Google Yourself

Our teens have never experienced life without computers and the worldwide web has brought the world into their bedrooms and palms. Technology has also taken their lives into other people’s worlds and palms.  It is imperative that teens understand how to protect themselves on the internet.

Staying safe online is about more than avoiding cyberbullying — internet safety is also about avoiding exclusion, identity theft, scams, and stalkers. Information you share by email, in online surveys, in chat rooms, in forums, on discussion boards, and on online dating and other social media sites essentially becomes a permanent part of your social media presence. Think Packaged For Success for a moment.  Your social media presence is a part of your “package”.

Teens Practice at College and Career Fairs

Deciding whether or not to attend college after high school and what institution to attend is one of the most important decisions young adults make.  Every fall students from high school to college have the opportunity to attend college and career fairs in their local area.  Local school systems organize them.  College preparatory agencies organize them.  Youth development agencies organize them. Congressional leaders organize them.  But are they worth the time and preparation?  Of course they are.  And for more reasons than any of you might think.

I recommend students begin attending college and career fairs as early as 9^th grade.  I even recommend students who don’t think they want to go to college attend at least one college fair.  I recommend students attend so that they not only become familiar with various academic institutions and potential professions but also so that they are knowledgeable about how to represent themselves when they become high school seniors.