It’s the end of the road…you have traveled as far as the train takes you; is that really the end though? This same thought is what permeates my brain now that we are coming to a conclusion at AYA. While yes at times it was hard, I was tired, and didn’t even feel like getting up some days—in the end it was fun. AYA is an experience that I am genuinely glad I didn’t give up on. Even now this post in itself was given to us as a choice by professor Rogelio and I would actual love to write it and dedicate it as a thanks to both him and professor Allan Lopez as well.
Through this program I was able to see the world through an even deeper lens than what I already thought. There was experiences and knowledge that was given with kindness and care. And while a little stressful projects that, when you look at the completed project, were wholeheartedly fun. I’m not just writing this to hype the program up, but to be genuine. Yes, there were times where I was bored or maybe not have even really cared for certain things but at the end it does teach you more than you think.
Communication is a central foundation of human life, and even more so in a democracy like America, you need to understand exactly what, why, how, and dive deeper than that which is what communication trough the program taught us. The projects needed to have actual rhyme and reason to it and “well, I’m not sure” was not allowed to be a reason.
At the end of it though even if the classes, the projects, the field trips, or even the guest speakers aren’t your forte (which come on how could they not be) then the interconnectedness and networking definitely should be. Remember that this program is for you; it’s for us to use to help and assist us and I’m sure that connecting with your peers and making these links with people who can assist you in any way possible as long as you make that leap would not only make you happy but also open doors never though possible. At least that is kinda how it felt for me.
Just as life is short so too is the time spent at the AYA youth academy but it means the world to me and I bet it means just as much to the many kids who come from the same background as me. As said before thank you to the two kind professors who take time out of their day, and thank you to my many peers that made the program more enjoyable with them than without. I am so grateful and thankful for the many opportunities I got to make and receive. Even being able to make a podcast and infographic with some of my peers was amazing. All of these building me up and allowing me to continue walking down a path that I can and will make for myself. With that said continue to just keep going, just keep walking forward even if your not sure where…And Cut.
Communicating Change 