This summer I Am We had the opportunity to partner with two special organizations, After School Matters (ASM) and By The Hand Club For Kids. Through these partnerships, we were able to introduce teens to their first job experience, teen journalist in training.

Through a pre-apprenticeship program made possible by After School Matters, teens received a modest stipend as a reward of being a key contributor in telling the stories of some of our amazing citizens that teens and Chicago need to know about. 

Through Chicago Youth Speaks, teens worked beside  Lee Edwards, Journalist and Instructor of I Am We and Innocent Ndayishimiye, Film-Maker and Instructor of I Am We. It was in this vein where students studied the art of journalism and within 6 weeks were transformed into emerging teen journalist and storytellers. Many of our teens never participated in any art enrichment programming before. Therefore, they had to learn the aesthetics of communication, body language, professional etiquette, story telling, etc. 

However, thanks to our instructors and the amazing citizens of Chicago, Chicago Youth Speaks teens blossomed. They were so inspired to meet citizens of Chicago, who took the time to meet with Chicgo Youth Speaks teens and share their experiences, information and encouragement. 

With the help of our citizens of Chicago, teens covered stories on volunteerism, entrepreneurship, education, self-responsibility, community, faith, etc. As a result of these connections, students wrote about many of our amazing citizens, in which we will be sharing with you throughout the year. 

In this photo are two students, they are reflecting on a Chicago citizen they just interviewed. They are sharing how inspired they were that someone with such a busy schedule would travel all the way to the Wes Side of Chicago just to meet them. 

We are thankful that when our students look back throughout the year, they can reflect upon their first job experience and all of the amazing people who inspired and believed in them. 

Regina Pinkston , HR Executive. Regina met with Chicago Youth Speaks students during the third week of the program, they loved her. Regina was very open and approachable. She openly discussed how doors opened up for her when she made the decision to take her life and future seriously. Teens really connected with this message. Regina shared how she began her career as an associate at Home Depot. In this vein, she quickly identified her strength was connecting with people and building trust. From this, she began to build meaningful relationships and was introduced to the career of human resources. Today, Regina is the Director of G.S. Floor Designs, Inc. where she leads the strategic direction of HR and organizational development.  Students were amazed with Regina as she shared that she comes from their communities. She know what it is like to live in poverty and have little access to opportunities. However, she stressed that even in the midst of obstacles, if you believe in yourself the road to success is attainable. At the end of the interview, students were so inspired with Regina that they wanted to walk her to her car. One student said, "I can't wait to tell my mother about her, they can make an inspirational movie from her story."

After talking about his professional experiences, students inquired and wanted to know more about Thomas life as a teen. Thomas was so transparent, that students continued to have more of a free conversation with Thomas. After the interview, Chicago Youth Speaks reflected and shared that they were so surprised how trusting Thomas was to share so much of his personal life with them. Additionally, Chicago Youth Teens adopted Thomas saying, ""Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail." They referenced this saying throughout the remainder of the program to hold each other accountable. 

During the last week of Chicago Youth Speaks for this summer, the program ended with reflections and gratitude. As a result, Rev. Pastor LaDonna and Letitia Douglas volunteered with us in the memory of Nelson Mandela to serve youth and community. It was a very inspirational day, as students had an opportunity to interview Rev. LaDonna and learn of her mission work in South Africa and many other parts of the world. Students were amazed with her experiences and wanted to know what inspired her to travel and serve. Rev. LaDonna was so kind and transparent, she freely shared. Please stay tuned as our students have written about her and her amazing work which we will be sharing in the near future. Additionally, they were also inspired by Letitia Douglas who participated in an exercise with Chicago Youth Speaks called, "Going back in time to thank someone who helped us." 

Each student selected someone to thank from their interviews this summer, in addition to thanking someone in their past, and someone in their hearts. What an inspirational way to conclude an experience. 

Chicago Youth Speaks was facilitated with so much love and care. I want to take this opportunity to thank:

*We also want to thank our entire Executive Board, Associate Board, Team, Volunteers, Partners, Supporters and Friends. Our work is not possible without you.