[Jane]

I was surprised and disappointed to hear about various microaggressions my colleagues have faced, and this training has made me question how I exist in a space and how much my existence rests on privilege that I didn’t earn. I feel like when I was in university and everything came at me so fast it took me weeks to digest it, far past when term was over. I know processing this content will take a lot of personal work and I will sit with that discomfort with an open heart.

[Mitch]

As an openly Transgender teacher, it’s surprising what you hear from colleagues, that claim that they have sat with themselves and checked their privilege. I reflect almost everyday on how the system is still positioned for my success being a white man. My transition, really drove home my privilege and amplified it as I became a man. This process will never be over and the fight to dismantle the education system has just been scratched on the surface. Everyday is reflection and work to change the outcomes for my students.

[Katarina]

Thank you, Mitch, for sharing your experiences. You’re absolutely right, change really does require ongoing reflection and work.

[Jane]

While I don’t work directly with Black youth, the lecture about good practices for supporting Black youth resonated with me, in not trying to be something you’re not, to admit your ignorance and try to be authentic. And not to compare your life with someone else’s (or put your own definitions on things) but to ask for their descriptions and terms for their experiences. This will help inform my perspective.

[Gera]

Hello Jane 🙂,
A great point you’re making.
While I do not conduct research, the lecture on collecting race-based data was incredibly insightful. If I have learned anything throughout this training it is to be: 1. transparent, 2. accountable and 3. self-reflective. Although these things may seem small they are essential when working with Black youth. Also, similar to what you stated, part of this self-reflection piece is being vulnerable and authentic with yourself. Meaning, being okay with not knowing everything but continuously ask questions and working collaboratively with the populations you are serving.

[Lisa]

Hi Jane , I so agree with your statement about ‘ not trying to be something you are not.’ I have heard from several black youth about how much of a put off this is. I loved the video in the Knowledge hub about how to better engage black males around mental health services. One of the speakers mentioned creating a safe space where these men can come in and sit and say nothing for 5 sessions if that’s what they need. Allowing black youth more agency over what access and youth engagement should look like is in their best interests. Journey towards wellness or wellbeing looks different for each youth.

[Sureka]

Hi Jane and Lisa,

I completely agree with you! When we truly listen to what someone else’s experience was, that is their time to share their stories. We can do more harm when we start to compare lives and it becomes ineffective for the youth. When others share their stories and experiences, we have to take a step back and listen. Like you said Lisa, everyone’s journey will look different and what is important is that we allow a safe space for the youth to create a journey for themselves.

[Zoe]

Hi Jane, Lisa, and Sureka,

I really like that you’ve highlighted this point about being honest and authentic about the gaps in your own knowledge and experiences when supporting Black youth. Jane, I especially appreciate what you said about not putting our own definitions onto other people’s experiences. This reminds me of the concept in social work of “meeting the client where they’re at.” In a way, what you’ve all described here is also a process of meeting the client from where you’re at, which is perhaps equally important. Thank you all for the excellent food for thought!