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Born in Sg, survived seven years of IJ, escaped to canada for the miraculous rebirth.. likes to say she found self there, But well when can we reach self actualization? now a waterloo student. 110% horse mad, was practically born on the back of a horse ( or rather wishes she was) horses are my favourite thing.

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You can keep me out of your mind that's alright.

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Monday, April 28, 2014
Advice to the Young CYW

As a graduate of Humber's CYW program, I've come up witwh some advice for young aspiring CYWs whowant to start their training/ enter the field or are in training now .....
I don't claim any be an expert by any me , I am far far from there are many others way more naturally gifted and talented and more driven/ passionate  than I am or will be in this field. But not to disregard my own experience.... here is my own take on it

1. Before you enter the field, be sure this is wha t you want to do. If you have any doubt whether this is for you, I would suggest speaking to a few cyws who are currently working in the field, get their perspective, or if not volunteer to work at kids mental health centre, or at a school, orat a summer camp.

2. Think about what drives you in this field. Are you somreone who needs to see results and gets  discouraged easily when you don't see ? If so, one of my profs so brilliantly told us " You will not be able to change every child you make or make their life better, if you are not okay with that this is not the profession for you" Its true. Very true.

3. If you genuinely enjoy being around kids, whether you see success or not or are able to make a difference with them, then this career may be for you.

4.Be prepared to put in effort. Academics will not neccesarily be a struggle, however balancing internships with school WILL. Be organized, stay on top of things. Take plenty of rest!!!

5. Have a thick skin, you will come across kids who may be violent, throw tantrums and threaten to attack / or DO attack you/ others or curse and swear at you. You have to be able to take this on and be their shoulder to cry on and be the one to discpline them at the end of the day, only through Discplining  them them, calling them out on their misbehaviour and still being there for them when they need you the most   can you truly be the one they feel safe with and your job is halfway done.

6. Making Kids feel safe with you in my opinion is the most important ONE OF ALL. You won't get it immediately, but only through  positive relationship-building ( cyw 101) can you get this.

7. Find your own niche in the field ( I am  still figuring this one out) Not everyone wants  ts to work in a school, or in a group/ residential home or in a hospital. It takes time, hell I am still working on it.  If you  work somewhere where you think it sucks you will not be happy, and when staff teams are unhappy kids are unhappy.

8. Don't be afraid to voice your opinion, sure its a little scary to be new, but if you see something is not right with a staff member or a client/ child or something you saw or witnessed, speak up. Don't be scared, you are an advocate.