Event # 2

RIC Accepted Students Day! 

The second Youth Development event I participated in this semester was Rhode Island College's Accepted Students Day.  This was for all students who were accepted to the school for the Fall of 2014.  At this event students are able to take a tour of the campus and also learn about some of the majors that RIC offers. 

A few of my classmates and I were able to represent Youth Development and answer any questions about this major.  I talked to many students and their families while at this event.  While most students already had an idea of what they wanted to come to RIC for, all were very interested in hearing what Youth Development was all about.  I also talked to one student who wasn't quite sure what she wanted to do just yet.  She seemed very interested in the program and took one of the pamphlets we were handing out. 

One of the coolest parts of the day was when a student came up to our Ydev table and inquired about the program.  He told us that he was very interested in working with youth and is already a sports coach for young children.  He was very passionate about what he is doing and was pleasantly surprised when he learned that he could turn his passion into a career. 

 It was really cool to see the amount of students interested in Youth Development.  There are already so many young people working in the youth development field, but they don't really realize it. It really demonstrates that there was a need for this major.  I am so glad that I am a part of it. 

TED TALK: The Next Greatest Generation? 

Listening to the TED talk online was very inspiring.  The first talk was by Natalie Warne, whose story I found amazing.  At only 18 years old she led a movement and fought to save child soldiers in Uganda being captured by Joseph Kony.  

It was so refreshing to see a young person making a huge difference in the world.  Too often we hear about how young people can't make logical decisions, or are not capable of doing the same things as adults.  This is just not true, and Natalie provided the perfect example of this.  Youth are the future and I believe that they should grow up understanding how influential they can be in society.  This story also is a wonderful example of how anyone, young or old, can accomplish the impossible if they just put their best foot forward.   

This story story has even inspired me.  Sometimes when you're chasing your dreams, you come across road blocks.  This, however, does not mean you should give up.  Natalie faced many road blocks on her journey.  If she had given up, the bill to stop Joseph Kony may not have been passed.  One person giving up can, in turn, affect hundreds or thousands of other people.  It is so important for youth to understand that they are important and they do matter and that they can indeed change the world.  After all, they are the future generation.