WHO ARE WE (AS YOUTH WORKERS + HUMANS)

In my journey map, I identify key moments that have shaped both me and my educational journey. I began my roadmap in elementary school, where I had my first formal introduction to schooling at an elementary school in West Warwick, Rhode Island. During this time, I faced several setbacks, starting in the second grade, academically. I struggled greatly and quickly grew to dislike school. Each year, I was evaluated for learning disabilities or reasons why I was unable to comprehend certain materials. In the second grade, I was formally placed on an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Because of my ILP, I was separated from my friends and taken out of class during certain times of the day. I was always placed in collaborative classrooms with an extra teacher. I was constantly tested and evaluated to determine my academic standing. I was repeatedly told that I wasn't meeting expectations, that I was falling behind, and that I wasn't good enough. This created significant educational anxiety early on, causing me to dislike school.

In middle school, I went through very similar challenges. My only saving grace was that academic support classes replaced my electives, allowing me to lie to my friends and say I was attending creative writing or literature classes instead of academic support. Looking back, I know this wasn't the right thing to do, but it was how I coped. Although I was still in a collaborative classroom, it was more common in middle school for students to need support, which made me feel less alone. I started to take advantage of the extra support. A big milestone in my educational career occurred in the eighth grade when I finally passed the state standardized tests and was able to test out of my ILP. I finished the second half of my eighth-grade year without academic support, took electives, and experienced art class for the first time. Although I was still in collaborative spaces, I felt a new sense of confidence that I had never experienced before academically.

High school was my next big adventure, and it was during this time that I realized how necessary the support services had been. Without them, I struggled a bit. It took me longer than most high school students to adapt to the fast-paced environment. Because of this, my freshman year grades weren't the best. As I moved into my sophomore year, I began to do better, though I still had some struggles. By 11th grade, I was tired of feeling like I was falling behind and of being an average student. I decided to take charge of my academics and advocated for myself, explaining that I still felt like I wasn’t understanding things and wanted to be placed back in a collaborative classroom. I was proud of myself for standing up for what I needed a big step for me, as I am typically a passive person. However, I was told no unless one of my teachers recommended additional support, which didn't happen based on my test scores and their opinions. This rejection was discouraging and made me hate the education system because I was actively seeking help and being denied. I accepted that school wasn’t for me, that was my mindset going into 12th grade. The next key moment in my educational journey also happened in high school. At that point, I had basically given up on the idea of going to college. I thought I'd follow in my dad's and grandfather's footsteps and become a correctional officer. I even started working with a personal trainer to prepare for that role. However, one of my high school English teachers told me that I would never make it in college, repeating this in front of my parents. This enraged and embarrassed me, and I was determined to prove them wrong. I vowed that I would go to college and earn a degree so no one would ever doubt me again. I would never let someone place me in a box based on only one part of me and not me as a whole person!

Outside of school, I was an athlete, and athletics shaped my academic journey. As an athlete, I had to maintain academic eligibility to play, which motivated me to get through school every day. Although I was never a great student, I was an excellent athlete. I provided leadership on and off the courts and fields, and my academic insecurities disappeared when I played sports. Even in the sports I wasn't great at, I contributed through teamwork and effort to improve the team. The things sports have taught me have lasted way longer than anything I learned in the school. Many of the qualities I carry with me today confidence, leadership abilities, and a passion for helping others came from athletics. I remember the coaches who made me feel better on my worst days, and I strive to give back to my community the way they gave to me. My interest in youth work can be traced back to coaching and officiating basketball games in high school. I don't know if I would have graduated high school if it weren't for sports, which kept me engaged and happy.

A major turning point in my life was when I committed to the University of Rhode Island through the Talent Development  Program and attended their summer program. That summer completely changed my perspective on academics and made me feel like I could succeed as a college student. I took classes that interested me, had passionate professors who genuinely wanted to be there, and had advisors who knew and cared about me. I made friends who supported me and wanted to see me succeed. I had never experienced such overwhelming support, which gave me the confidence that I could do well in college. Transitioning from the TD summer into the academic year was still overwhelming at times, but I knew I could do it. Despite some stumbles along the way, like changing my major and developing generalized anxiety disorder, I managed to succeed and thrive in college. I immersed myself in numerous activities, most of which were related to higher education in some way. Whether it was being a tour guide, working in the admissions office, or managing the women's basketball team, I realized that my passion was in higher education. I wanted to provide access to students, especially those from marginalized communities, low-income areas, and first-generation backgrounds like mine. I found my passion, my friends, and a community that loved me unconditionally. The university became my home, and I set a goal to one day return as an employee.

Since college, I've worked with the College Advising Corps, served as a college advisor at Shea High School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and worked in admissions at Roger Williams University and now Rhode Island College. At Rhode Island College, I've found my home, continuing to grow my passion for education. I've hosted numerous events, recruited students, and hopefully inspired many to be excited about college. One of my favorite things is sharing my story, how I went from doubting I'd go to college to now pursuing a master's degree. I can see in students' eyes the excitement and the possibility of becoming like me in the future. RIC has become a second home to me. This school and job has become a passion and family. No matter how bad things get or how political higher ed can be, I truly love what I do and I love showing students this wonderful place!

Clearly a bachelors degree was not really in my plans, so a masters was not something I ever considered. I never thought I would be smart enough to even get a masters degree, yet have the honor to be getting it for free. I put off coming back for a few years and truly did not really want to come back until this year when I finally felt ready to be back. There are many reasons why I've chosen the Youth Development Master's Program. I could say it's because of my family, or because my partner has a master's degree and I want to join that club. I could also say it's because I want to keep spoiling my dog, who lives a very spoiled life. All these people and Tatum are part of my journey here, but the biggest reason is my grandfather. In 2022, I lost him, and in his final days, he asked me when I was going back to school. I feel it's my duty to fulfill his last wish and earn my degree in his honor. This part of my journey is dedicated to him.