B2B: Transition Specialist Reflections, 2017

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Home > MESD Schools & Programs > Bars to Bridges > Reflections 2019

The Bars to Bridges Transition Specialists share perspectives on their work in 2017.

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Aaron

What positive changes have you seen in the students you support?
A lot of kids I work with actually want to attend school and get good grades. They don't want to let themselves or their families down.

What inspired you?
Seeing how our kids of color released from detention are forgotten about in the education system.

What went well?
The on-boarding process of all the new hires.

How have you grown?
I've grown by being able to connect with the kids right away. Last year, it often took a couple days or weeks to make a connection with them.

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Aketi

What positive changes have you seen in the students you support?
My clients know I have their back. It feels good to know someone is in your corner, especially when you're used to being on your own.

What inspired you?
It inspires me that the youth we serve are so young! Their lives have barely begun, and I am confident that, with the right focus, they can achieve success. I believe in them and hold them accountable to the goals they say they want to work toward. Sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in someone to help them start to believe in themselves.

What went well?
I'm learning how to support each person on my caseload, individually. Each person has a different personality, needs, skills and level of support. Getting to know them, and figuring out how to best support them, is going well.

How have you grown?
I have learned a lot and am growing each day. I take pride in being a positive role model and doing so means I have to practice discipline in my own life as well.

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Arthur

What positive changes have you seen in the students you support?
They're becoming aware of the importance of school. It's too often easy for students to push school aside, and favor their friends, or fall prey to society’s negative influences, but they have improved tremendously. They’re asking for help, instead of it being forced.

What inspired you?
The relationship among the team inspired me. With the turnover we had from last year, it could’ve easily gone wrong. We hit the grown running and have not looked back.

What went well?
In 2017, I think we got a lot stronger as a team. As a result, the work we do has become more pleasing and the youth recognize that. They’re more receptive, and they’re success has become more frequent.

How have you grown?
I have grown in many areas. With this being my second year in this position, I feel more confident in tough situations.

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Charles

What positive changes have you seen in the students you support?
Each youth has different strengths and weakness. Some kids who felt hopeless showed me they can hope again. Some showed me dedication and didn't give up.

What inspired you?
The kids and the resolve they have. Most of the kids I work with have not had a good home life. They end up incarcerated, at one of their low points. They still try to turn things around; they don't give up. They show me their best effort. That inspires me every day to be the best I can be for them.

What went well?
The work we’ve done with the youth. Getting to know them and finding what motivates them. Getting them into activities and engaged in school. Also, us growing stronger as a team and learning how to deal with different situations.

How have you grown?
I have grown in my understanding of the job, and how I can best serve the kids. I've learned, in this job, you have to wear many hats and play different roles.

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Hannah

What positive changes have you seen in the students you support?
My youth share much more with me. I've had a few youth call me before a crisis is about to happen and/or after a crisis has happened.

What inspired you?
We see and hear a lot of prejudices, racial inequality and sexism. Unfortunately, people feel like they can't do anything to change it. I want to do something about it and be a supportive advocate for the youth that don't have the same resources and support networks as other youth.

What went well?
My team! The work we do can be very intense, but having a supportive team makes all the difference. The conferences that we attend are very inspiring and help us implement culturally sensitive practices. The advice and lending ears between one another is crucial to success in our field.

How have you grown?
Understanding the judicial system further. How I can help the youth who have been incarcerated. I continue to learn how to motivate them.

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Micaella

What positive changes have you seen in the students you support?
I’ve noticed an attitude shift and behavioral change after building relationships with the kids. Oftentimes, they have a lot of resentment and need to vent. Once that happens, it allows us to talk about things on their mind. They become more open and are more willing to be honest. Attitudes and behaviors start to become more positive once they realize someone is looking out for them.

What inspired you?
The kids we work with inspire me. Some of them come from difficult backgrounds. To put trust in someone you just met, who wants to help, is a big step for them. Some of them even become successful, and I think that helps motivate me do everything I can, in my position, to help them. I want to see them succeed.

What went well?
I learned a lot when I first began. My team has been really helpful in my own transition to the position and has given me the confidence to do my job. They acknowledge when something goes right, and I think the positive environment and helpful advice makes it easier to tackle the job.

How have you grown?
I've grown a lot personally and professionally. I've learned a lot from my team in both of those aspects but when you have a team who has your back, it makes it easier to approach difficult situations. I'm constantly learning new things about the schools, the system, and how to effectively do my job.