My first day at Spring Break Take Action

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by John Salinas on Monday, April 6, 2009

John Salinas, first time blog author My name is John Salinas, I am a 9th grader at North Hollywood High School. I have been a member of the BRU for 3 months. I decided to participate in Spring Break Take Action because I saw it as a good opportunity to gain and grow from this experience.

Today we learned about the history of the Labor/Community Strategy Center and about all the things that people face today such as oppression, discrimination, and all the different types of racism and the fights people have to put up just to survive.

What I really liked about my first day in the program is how easily I spoke out because normally I am a shy person. I usually do not engage in a conversation I just step back and let other people speak. I'm usually shy because I'm afraid of responding wrong or saying something that I think may not be suitable for the discussion.

But, today, I didn't feel shy at all! I felt very comfortable talking amongst my fellow peers. The environment is so chill like you don't feel pressured of answering. You also don't have to worry about giving the wrong answer because everyone is listening to your opinion. The topic also really helps since it is very interesting you have so many things to say about it.

I am excited to not feel shy. Now I can finally have a word in discussions and also in the way I talk and interact with people. This will definitely not only help me now but in my future by being able to talk freely. For example taking that interview, saying no to whatever the situation may be, or even with the ladies lol.

I am most definitely excited to go out on the buses tomorrow because I really hope to apply my skills that I have acquired in one day into my daily life and see how it will turn out.

Comments

On April 8th, 2009 Anonymous (not verified) said:

John Bro I had the same anxiety towards speaking. I was always afraid that I would not properly articulate myself ultimately leading to confusion. But since my involvement with the Labor/Strategy Community Center, my speaking skills have definitely improved and developed. And it comes with practice man, it takes some embrassing unclear thoughts thrown into ambiguous speech in order for one to get better. So now I've over my shy and I'm able to apply my skills to other fields. So get speaking John, worse-omes-worse you'll only get better at speaking.

On April 8th, 2009 Jackie (not verified) said:

I am so proud of you John for getting out there. I remember when it came time for me to get out there I was scared out side of my mind. I don't think I approached anyone. We did some role play and next time I went to organize I had some really good conversations. I would say I feel pretty good out there. I want you to know that we are all here for you whenever you need help.

On April 7th, 2009 Kassie L Walters (not verified) said:

Im glad that you no longer feel shy for starters lol! Im also glad that you have developed your skills and that you are trying to use them in your everyday life! Especially because i think that you have a lot of good points. I agree that the topics are really interesting, and that people have a lot to say and contribute, because i feel that i learn a lot from my peers. So Im looking forward to the rest of the week organizing people, getting feed-back, and just hearing everyones ideas! ^_^v

On April 7th, 2009 Krys (not verified) said:

I'm glad to see you getting involved in Spring Break Take Action also. As a member of the Taking Action club at Westchester, and someone who has been through the spring break and summer program already, it is very exciting to see people as young as you being enthused about coming to these types of programs and such. Not to confuse anyone, I am only 3 years older than you, but at the same time, I think it's really a growing experience, as you have realized and so I am happy about your participation. I'm typing on my phone so you'll have to please forgive the lack of multiple paragraph, but I, like you, am a pretty shy guy who is pretty self-conscious about what I say. That's why, for instance, in many cases you'll see me wait 'til the end of a discussion before I present a point, if at all. At the same tine though, what attracted me to the organization and the program is that I have a voice period. People look down on teenagers and such for not being active enough and sometimes when we do have a point, they will downplay it as stating that we are just teenagers. The Strategy Center doesn't do that. They provide a space where like-minded individuals such as you and me, can seriously talk about issues that not only effect us as a community, but us, young people, individually also. So I'm not just blowing smoke by saying that I'm happy that you're here and doing this, because I legitimately am happy for you, but also it's good to see that not only you are letting your voice be heard, but also that you are confortable with your opinions being expressed. We learn so much from not only the people who are supposed to be teaching us, but also from each other. Different perspectives are always appreciated and so it's good that you feel comfortable sharing yours. The character count on my phone is running down and honestly...I'm friggin tired, but yeah good stuff man. We're all learning to become leaders, and so it's good to not only learn from others, but to learn from ourselves. SBTA will do that for ya.