1. How would you describe your job in a few words to a stranger?
I help guide, teach, and encourage young mothers and their children at My Sister Susan’s House.
2. What’s your typical day at work like?
I get to spend quality time with the mothers and their children. I help them learn how to navigate the avenues to assist them and teach them how to advocate for themselves and their little ones. We even cook together and have “family dinners!”
3. What is your favorite thing about working with Youth Focus?
I love being there for young mothers and being a source of support and encouragement. I was recently the support person for a client giving birth, which was an incredible experience!
4. What is one thing you wish more people knew about Youth Focus?
I wish the public knew how much the Youth Focus programs help set up the youth for success in ways that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
5. What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
My mother told me, “you have to remember not everyone was raised like you.” I took that to mean we all have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. In remembering this, I can better meet clients where they are, on their level.
6. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Not to take things so personally.
7. What’s the biggest misconception people have about teens and young adults today?
That the youth are solely responsible for the situations, they are in. I think people tend to overlook that the youth have been let down by adults and systems and that they’re healing from trauma.
