AJ's Educaton Journey: Mapping to the MA

The Early Years    

 My educational journey began early on in life. My mother was a teacher for many years working with students with special needs and various learning abilities. Many members of my family have worked in the field of education and still do to this day, so teaching and the value of education are in my blood. Knowing this, both my mother and father pushed me to succeed throughout my early childhood education leading me to excel academically and enjoy learning. I had many wonderful teachers through my primary school years, but three made a lasting stamp on my education experience. My second grade teacher Mr. Souza was my only male teacher from Kindergarten to 6th grade. He was an amazing example for me that men could work with young students and didn’t have to just work in middle and high school. Then there was my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Nichols and my 5th and 6th grade teacher Mrs. McLaughlin they both instilled in me a joy for education and empowerment, seeing my potential and watering those seeds. 

High School

High school was supposed to be the launching pad for my future, but honestly, it felt more like I was getting ready to launch into... nothing. As a music major, I knew deep down I had zero interest in becoming a professional singer, and I definitely wasn’t cut out for the demands of the acting world. But as the end of junior year drew closer and closer, the inevitable question kept popping up: “What’s the plan after graduation?” At a fine arts high school, you see all kinds of paths that are taken after graduation—some students dive headfirst into their art, while others pivot to things like the medical field or sales. So, what did I do? I applied to a few schools to major in theatre—or just to go in undecided because, let’s be real, I was still figuring it all out. Along the way, there was my advisory and music teacher, Mr. Beauregard, who threw us all for a loop. At first, it seemed like he didn’t care about anything besides music and just wanted to be the toughest teacher in the school but over time we realized that his tough-love approach was actually his way of showing he cared a lot. As we got older he opened up way more and we learned this was part of his method of building us up as individuals and musicians. He taught me some of the most valuable lessons about dedication, connection, and appreciating your craft, which would stick with me no matter where I end up. 

Undergrad

    As I was transitioning from high school to undergrad there were mixed feelings of uncertainty and confidence that I was where I was supposed to be but had no clue of direction. But early on in my first semester at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in one of my theatre classes, someone mentioned Arts Management and at that moment something stirred within me. Without knowing a thing about it, I added it as my second major before the add/drop period and so, the next part of this journey truly began. During my time at MCLA, I took many courses that deepened my love for the major but there was one class that gave this educational adventure a north star, AGMT 345, Community Arts & Education. This course was facilitated by one of the most inspiring teachers I've ever had, Dr. Lisa Donovan, and she helped me to discover my "core threads" the 3 major things that connect and drive me towards a purpose. Throughout that semester, I was able to look within and recognize that my core threads are youth, the arts, and education. From that moment I began to dream of my goals in creative youth development and made intentional decisions that I knew would get me as close as I need to be to make these dreams a reality and today I'm even closer than I was before.

The Early Stages of Youth Work

    Now before highlighting how I got to this moment here in Rhode Island College's youth development program, it's important that I acknowledge one part of my core thread that was overlooked greatly during high school and even well into undergrad, youth. My passion for young people started in high school as I got a job at my old elementary school in their afterschool program, which I attended when I was younger. I worked there from 14 to 19, it was such a fun experience that planted so many seeds of creativity, knowledge, and wisdom that have helped me to succeed in my current role as an afterschool program site coordinator. Around 17 or 18 I became a youth leader at my church and being a person that younger students could trust, and seek guidance and wisdom from was an amazing feeling. To see the growth they've had socially, emotionally, and spiritually made me realize that I was good with youth, but I didn't think beyond that environment during that season of my life.

Today

  And now, here I am—fully realized as a youth worker, coming full circle and working in the very environment where it all began. Looking back, it’s clear that both my time in afterschool programs and working in them shaped me into who I am today. Funny enough, high school did end up launching me into a field I was meant for. I’m truly grateful for the path God has led me on, especially when it comes to my education and the impact that I've had on many children and youth. Despite how unpredictable life seemed at times, I never stopped learning and adding new skills to my tool belt to better serve young people. The YDEV program isn’t the finish line—it's more like the beginning of my next chapter.  One where the vision is clear and I'm all in.  I’m excited to keep going on this journey of self-discovery and skill-building.