REFLECTIONS

 

THANKSGIVING WORKSHOP 

Family

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

11 October 2019

 

 

• My name is Taiwo. When my mum told me about this Thanksgiving Workshop, I told her I didn’t feel like going because I do not like going out (I’m a shy person) but she told me to go and I’m happy to say I didn’t regret it.  It was awesome even though it was only 2 hours, I enjoyed it.  Family is something I like to talk about and I’m thankful for my family because God gave me the chance to feel what a family is.  You guys were amazing (Simran, Renee, Crystal, and Lucas).  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

•  I think this topic made me realise how much my family means a lot to me and how they got me through hard times even through tough times, though they are sometimes annoying they are still very, very important to me.  I had a twin before but she passed away.  I am not sure if I should be sad right now, because I don’t know what she was like, how she looks like I mean… she looks like me, but I really wanna know what it would be like having a twin who is friends with twins… you know we will definitely be popular in high school

• This programme is the best I’ve ever been to.  I feel so happy and open.  I feel like all the staff here are my family.  I like that we are allowed to talk to very one, and that there are snacks provided even though it’s just for two hours.  I’m also happy that all the staff did what we did, there was lots of laughter.  Thank you guys so much for everything.  I wish you’d have a similar programme next time and I’ll be so glad to come. 

• Today, volunteer helpers taught me something that I didn’t put any thought of, which is the purpose of having a family.  I can be very stubborn & ignorant when it comes to having to do something that I feel it isn’t fun.  When I arrived here fellow people & I were introducing ourselves & what we want to pursue in the future.  At that moment I felt comfortable & I was having fun.  Later, they brought a topic in mind.  The topic is family.  They brainstormed of what is family & helped me understand why they are so important.  Family can include friends, parents, cousin, etc.  I think this because they all bring out your emotions.  Our emotions connects each other as one.  When I’m upset my family always encourages me to keep my head up high and stay strong.  My family made me the person I am today.

 

 

                                       PEEL HIV/AIDS NETWORK

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

4 APRIL 2014

 

 

·        I learned about sex and how people act. I learned about ways you can get hiv and sexually diseases. I learned a lot of important stuff about sex and how to keep yourself from getting diseases

 

·        I don’t believe today went as well as it could. I believe the opinions certain people had pushed others to share the same. I still feel I got some useful information

 

·        I learned that there is many different types of relationships, and that two brothers married one girl and they lived with each other and I find that really interesting and I did not know that was possible

 

·        Everyone takes risks. Action, reaction time, condition, state, and morals, all plays a role. No Bras to other choices. Keep self protected

 

·        I feel that the topics discussed were very informative and helpful for everyday purpose. In regards to myself it’s important that we as teenagers take notice to what’s going on around us and how it may or may not affect you depending on the circumstance

 

·        I was less educated on other people’s views until the workshop presenter, Alex made us think. I agree about how everyone’s equal and men should respect the other sex. I am now more aware about other people’s views and have learnt to respect more especially when it comes to the opposite sex

 

·        What I have learnt today from presenter Alex was types of relationships, and diseases and also how you can get them. I was less educated on other people’s opinions from the topic. On some topics I did not agree on everyone’s opinion because it does not make any sense till the presenter Alex explained by detail.

 

·        Everyone takes risks and if you make that mistake it’s your fault

 

·        I can apply this awareness by actually taking the steps that he was giving information on. I feel as if he was right because in this new era teenagers are doing a lot of mature things they wouldn’t be able to handle in that point in time

 

·        I strongly agree with respecting women. I have a girlfriend who I protect and love. I’ve never lied to her and try to always make her feel comfortable inside our relationship

 

·        I learned to respect all sorts or sexual identities and other nations. I also expanded on the types of relationships that people practice like marriage, one night stands, and the women that are straight after your money. I also learned the meaning of monogamy. Being another term for marriage is also very important to practice safe sex in order to prevent STI’s and sexual related diseases. Communication is key to a healthy relationship as it take 2 to make a single bond. In conclusion it is very important to be aware of your own sexuality and practice safe sex

 

·        What I have learnt from this presentation today was sexuality isn’t all about sex, it’s also about your identity and knowing what your sexuality is. Communication is key to a healthy relationship. There’s all types of relationships such as friendships, gold diggers, professional relationships, friends with benefits. Sexuality only goes so far it takes two to make a relationship male and female all types of combinations    

PHAN - HIV/AIDS

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

1 MARCH 2013

 

 

·        I think this is a very important matter and I feel very aware of this topic. Ive learn about all the types of sexual transmitted diseases. There are many types of diseases you need to be aware of. I also learnt about the female condom.

 

·        I didn’t learn anything everything he said I knew

 

·        Some guy came to talk about sex and infections. We talked about how some infections can be prevented and how you can make sex sexy with a condom be safe, have protected sex.

 

·        Yesterday during the presentation, a man came to speak about sex and HIV/AIDS, and also the myths and the harmful facts about it. I thought it was very informative and valuable knowledge to have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YMCA YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE YSAP

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

3 MAY 2013

 

·        I think that drugs are bad (mostly) I think that this is a good way to inform youth on the subject. I learned many things about different drugs and know that I am not interested in experimenting other drugs. I also learned what “cutting” is and I never knew what it was.

 

·        I think drugs are a self – made decision. As you know everyone, including lots of youths use at the end of the day you make the choice! Drugs make or break your life.

 

·        I learned one thing about weed and learned a lot of other drug’s and safe ways to use drugs and now I know what to say to cop.

 

·        It was good to learn about. I’m glad I know more about certain substances than before. It was enjoyable and I liked learning the short and long term use effects thanks for the experience.

 

·        I’m glad that I am aware of all the drugs side effects, sitting here made me realize how society is harming themselves. I really appreciate this thank you.

 

·        We talked about how other drugs were used and how they can harm your body in many different ways. Reachout is the best program.

 

·        I’ve learned much more about drugs then I already knew. I’ve learned about safer ways to use drugs and how I can apply it to my own life. I feel more aware about drug use and more educated on this topic.

 

·        About the effects, harm, and precautions about drugs.

 

 

MARK MCKENZIE

GUEST SPEAKER

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

5 April 2013

 ·      I really enjoyed the topic speaker.  He was very nice, funny and enthusiastic. He tried hard to related to the people and get their attention.  The topic was inspirational and made me think a lot, the double R.E.D anagram was useful and I think I would actually use it in the future.  The topic speaker talked about his life and really tired to connect to his audience.  I loved that fact.  Overall I thought this presentation was very motivating and interesting.  I liked it a lot and think everyone else like it too. 

 

·    I found it to be interesting.  It was confusing though.  The pizza was good.  I didn’t know there was even such thing old or regular.

 

·        It was a good freestyle Friday. Tell George it was fun.  He kept repeating himself and stating the obvious.  I didn’t like it because I found him more funny than inspirational.

 

·       I think that the guest speaker has a lot of confidence and has been through a lot of confidence and he’s been through a lot and he knows what he is talking about and he just wants respect and year.

 

·    Today I learned that to be successful you must be respectful.  Have a positive outlook to be successful. Do not go into a situation with the mindset of failure because that will lead you to failure. Go into situation with a positive outlook because you will get a positive result from the situation.

 

·   Tasty pizza good speech, good speaker talked about how we should be respectful, energetic enthusiastic, dedicated, determined.

 

·      I think that the speaker guess had a lot of confidence and inspires me to do better in life.

 

·     Today we learned the acronym to life. Double red (RREEDD) stands for respect, remarkable, energetic, enthusiastic, determining dedication to be successful at determination dedication to be successful at what you want to do in the future.

 

POLICE OFFICER

PC KRISTA NOAKES

                                FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

 March 22, 2013

 

 

·        Today’s discussion was about police officers and how they are there to help us when we are in need and also how they are trying to change the relationship between them and teenagers. Police officers are positive and even though a lot of teenagers think otherwise, if we treat them with respect then they will treat us with respect and try to help anyone.  I didn’t know what I would be learning about today but I am glad I came because I got new knowledge on things I did not know about and it made me think positively about police officer.

 

·        There is always room for a person to improve for the better as long as they have desire to change despite if they think they do not have the potential.  No matter the situation life put you in, you should be able to change and make the best of your situation.

 

·        After today’s lesson I learnt that Police Officers are an important part of our community and they play an important role.

 

·        I hope that in the future the relationship between the police and youth changes and I think that the police must change their attitude towards the youth.  It will be good for the community.

 

·        Police are different, I still don’t like them first cop to be nice this is crazy probably just a one in a million.  The law is confusing. It was an overall great presentation.   

 

·        I feel that today I learned a lot about the peel regional police and the crime they deal with.  My feelings on this topic is that there is a lot of crime in peel and there is a lot of ways someone can get easily arrested. The crime is dealt with appropriately.

 

·        It was good for clarifying some facts for me.  I didn’t enjoy the end of the presentation.  I felt like it dragged on to long, it was interesting though.

 

·        I thought today’s guest speaker the police officer was very insightful and good way to speak out on issues in the community.

 

·        I learned that the police are trying to change even though I have never seen a cop as nice as this one.  I don’t believe the police are changing but I know there are a few good ones out there.   But majority of the police are disrespectful people just because they know they have the authority.

 

·        I felt very happy I met a nice cop.  I was able to have a civil conversation with a police officer and learn alot about crime revolving teens. Traffic stops adults and much more.

 

·        I learned a lot about the police how they feel as officers.  I saw things from a police prospective, I learned that policemen/policewomen feel and react similarly to human beings.  I understand that there are good and bad cops but at the end of the day cops are just trying to do their jobs.

 

·        I feel more at ease knowing it’s not just us that the police want to bother. “US” meaning the ‘ghetto youth’ of Toronto, Canada.  I feel that police still have nothing to do tho.  My personal thought.

 

·        Law enforcement is not always right, but they have more authority in a dangerous situation.  The federal system is working on bettering their relationship with the community.  For example trying to reflect the community in their squeels.

 

·        I feel little bit more understanding as a female, where this police have had many experiences as her job.  But being a young adult peel police need to show more respect and need to know to treat people.  I believe more police officers need to reason with children.

 

·        This was a very informative lexsure the police officer gave me nuff information.  This was something else.

 

·        I just paid attention on the topic about what police officers do and are a part of the community and what they do to keep the community in peace.

 

·        I feel that this is a good topic to talk about because we get to ask questions and find information.  We also get to find out new things that we would never get to find out.

 

·        I feel that this was a good topic because it taught people how the peel police works and what not.

 

·        I feel that police offers put up a facade that they want to help.  Some police officers are good meanwhile others are not.  At the end of the day it is their job but they need to work on communicating with individuals better.  

 

·        I think that life is always changing so it is good to have a positive attitude towards change because change will happen anyways and you might as well make the best use of it.  Also it doesn’t do good to stay in the past and everyone should try and move on so it will move on no matter what anyone says.

 

 

LAWYERS- FRATERNITY BROTHERS OF LAMBA MU MU CHAPTER

8 March 2013

 

·        My thought of yesterday’s freestyle Friday was it was “ok”. At first I felt a little uncomfortable because I felt that the two speakers were only focusing on me and my dreams. I also felt that they were belittling me a bit because I didn’t have a plan to make legal money. But as the discussion was going on I started to understand what they were saying. I understand that in order to succeed it depend on you.

 

·        I felt it was very inspirational. It made me think. His words were very motivating. He made me believe I could achieve more through faith in myself. I would like to be in touch with the speaker. He seems to be a good mentor.

 

·        We talked about how we can become whatever we want if we put our mind to it and actually do whatever it takes to do what we want to do. Other than that the meeting was good and we finally had a speaker.

     

     ·        The thing I learned is no matter what happen to you, you can do what                     you want to do 

KATIE SCOTT & MELISSA LOPES MISSISSAUGA BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

                                  FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

 7 December 2012

 

·        I liked the presentation and thought it was good. What I learned was how to open my own business and how the court system works. In the future, I find both of these attributes good and might explore them later on in life. 

 

·        I have learned a lot about running my own business. The thing I like most about this presentation is that I learned how I can apply and how I can get started. I hope eventually I participate in this program and start my own presentation. I also liked the lawyer presentation because it taught me how I can use the law for future use. 

 

·        I learned from the lawyer and the lady that owns her business such as about law she taught me things I never knew about and charges and made me look at things such as doing crimes and it’s not worth it and the lady that runs her own business made me see that it isn’t hard to put your mind to it and make your own companies or business all you have to do is to be determined and want to do it put all your effort into it. 

·       Today’s freestyle Friday was inspirational  I learned a lot. From the criminal lawyer I have learnt about the justice system according to the criminal law. From the summer company I learned how the government gives you money to start your own business. 

 

·       Today I learned a lot and was inspired in different ways. I never knew someone my age can start their own business make so much money. I am very glad I came today because now I have the opportunity that I never thought I could have. Also, hearing about the law system was interesting.

 

·        I learned about being a lawyer and the rights they have. I also learned about how youth people can start their own business and this program lends you money for free to help you.

 

·       The grant is a good opportunity for people interested. It gives you start up costs to own your business, helps you run it as well.

 

·        I learned today on Friday December 7. Was that I learned about my rights and different classes of crime due to scenario I also saw how to run a business. 

 

·        I think that the lawyer coming in and talking about the Canadian Court system work was good because it gave people an outlook on the court system, and the lady coming in talking about starting your own business company was good because it’s a good opportunity. 

 

·        I learned so much shit today interesting to learn all about the law how to avoid cop searches and how early I can open a business. Also, how there are opportunities all around too. 

 

·       That it’s hard to be a lawyer, they go through a lot of cases. Different kinds of cases. Also,we talked about making your own business and being your own boss this summer. 

 

·       Learned a lot about the law. Learned something new. I never want to be a lawyer. 

 

·       The meeting we had today was very productive and useful. We learned a lot about business planning and becoming a layer. 

 

·        I learned a lot of new things like the law degree and it’s so much more confusing than I thought. Summer Company never heard of it till today. 

 

 

BEHIND THE MASK

ANGER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

DECEMBER 1, 2012

 

·        Sometime I get feelings that I don’t want to show to some other people so I have to put on a “mask” to hide those feelings. For example at school I don’t really like some of the teachers but instead of showing it I just pretend to enjoy their company because it’s always good to have your teacher like you. Or sometimes I am late to class because I go out for a smoke but I put on a mask and make it look like I was doing something else.

 

·        This week I used my mask to get out of trouble for lates or smelling of smoke or leaving class to long I try to change the way I act for them. I hide from my parents in this mask if  I’m late or they catch me high I hide only to stay out of trouble never to act a way I’m not just to keep it so I’m not punished I stay this way. I don’t hide to change my personality.

 

·        Behind my mask throughout my week.... the feeling I haven’t shown is when I was mad at school a few times one was when I came to school late and the teachers were asking me what’s wrong and I was just being quiet about the reason and wasn’t replying to them and I would just walk away and leave school then react in words that were not positive other things that was when I was at home and my grandma asked me what my problem was and I wouldn’t say because she was my problem and I don’t like talking about my problems so I stayed quiet.

 

·        A couple days ago my friend let me barrow some money and I said I’d pay him back in 3 days. I haven’t gave him his money yet and he asked for the money but I said I didn’t have it and that I’ll get it by the end of the day. Instead of paying my friend back I just spent the money on things I wanted for the night. I also lied to my mom but it was nothing serious. While my mom was gone me and my brother and friend were smoking in my backyard and we made the house smell. My parents came home and ask us why it smells like that and I said it was my friend, he came over after he smoked and made the house smell like this and they didn’t really care that much and said alright.

 

·        I am usually behind the mask at work because of how professional I would want to keep my standards. As much as I’ll be tired I also maintain a smile on my face so that they do not notice. Family usually stress me out but try , holding it back and not express it because I don’t want them to think they affect me.

 

Money of all things brings me a lot of stress with or without it because when I have it it’s like I think about things to buy and when I don’t I regret not working a turn to be criminal minded.

 

 

ANGER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

 November 17 2012

 

·        Today the things we talked about made me see different views of my anger and brought back a couple past memories in the past and is making me think on how I could have dealt with the situation better that I did. My anger always gets the best of me because I have a short temper and don’t know how to control it. The talk we had today made me realizes other ways to control my temper and see how there are other ways to deal with situations and not react in a negative way. I want to know ways to get this anger away and how to control it and hopefully make it die down.
·        I honestly believe that what anger is isn’t bad it’s a tool that needs to be used correctly. Everyone gets angry and it’s a normal part of life. I think I could have handled the situation at subway by separating myself from the situation. The questions made me think of how I can use my anger differently in present and future.
·        This meeting was great because we talked about many different aspects of and anger and what it’s caused by.  It gave me an idea of what I should first do if I feel like I’m getting angry. This meeting was also good because we talked and about managing and controlling anger. I think it would be a good idea to talk about things like: why do u get angry and how to stop yourself from flipping out.  
·        Anger is one thing many of us can’t control. Today’s reflection was about anger management and how people deal with it and to me ; I feel like it’s uncontrollable and it comes naturally depending on the situation. It was usually leads to violence and also makes people have attraction that are not good. We also talked about situations that make us angry and how people usually get angry. People should change their activities when it comes to dealing with anger.  Getting a hobby that distracts you from getting into details about your anger will be a good way to start. In this way you won’t think back much when it comes to your anger issues this making your mind peaceful.
·        I believe that what anger is isn’t good it’s a tool that needs to be used correctly without violence. Everyone gets angry and that normal for human beings. Some people just can’t control. What they do think of when they are angry, so whatever they think of they tend to do it with violence and at the end of the day it wasn’t worth doing.  
·        I learned that anger is a emotion and that violence and anything physical you do when you are angry is a action or a outcome to being angry not a emotion. Some people break things or fight people when they are angry. I handle anger well and stay calm towards adults or people of authority. If I do not need to stay calm toward someone like a friend than ill argue with them.  Everyone handles anger differently, if you don’t handle it well you can face negative consequences and possible trouble with the law.

 

                                                       LAWYERS

 

16 November 2012

 

·        I came today to the meeting to listen to a guest speaker that Angela was talking about and waited for at the conference room for an hour before they weren’t coming. I am disappointed at the fact that we came here and waited here but they did not show up. 

 

·        It’s sad that people don’t show up at our meetings on Fridays. The people that came in and talk to us, show that we matter. The best way to come you knows we matter in the world. 

 

·        I came to the meeting to learn and hear what the speaker, whatever he\she are presenting. I am disappointed that none of the guest speakers had not been coming in. Now here we are in the session doing nothing but just talking about anything.

 

·        I am very disappointed and very aggravated that the speaker did not attend the freestyle Friday meeting. If you have a responsibility you must always flow through with it and keep your word. Sincerely Disappointed in Mississauga 

 

·        I think that it’s inconsiderate that you fail to complete simple task you said you would attend to, you should think before you waste other people’s time. And thanks for making me write this piece of my integrity I don’t believe a person like you could even comprehend. 

 

·        I think it’s irresponsible for the guest speaker not to show up, when there’s people waiting for them. I am also very disappointed because I was looking forward to hearing what that person had to say and I just ending up wasting my time.

 

·        It was very disappointing that the guest speaker did not attend the Free style Friday meeting .I was looking forward to receive good information from her.

 

·        I think it is very disappointing that the guest speaker did not show up to Freestyle Friday this Friday, because I was looking forward to learn something.

 

 

 

   

 

                FRIENDS & ADVOCATE PEEL MENTAL HEALTH

 FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

9 November 2012

 

·       It was informative and calm. I also learned a lot of facts and theories I did not know about prior to the session. In addition I like the presentation and speakers.

 

·       I enjoyed this because it educated me on mental illness and how it affects people in our community and also how these groups can help people cope with mental health. I think it was good to find this in my community

 

·       It was boring they talk so much. I learned that they have different social rehabilitation.  I learned a lot of facts and theories I did not know about prior to the session.

 

·       There are many mental illnesses and you cannot be cured but you can get help to cope and live with the mental illness

 

·       It was interesting expanding on my knowledge of what it means to live with a mental Illness. Today’s lesson was about the different types of disorders what it is all about. If magic was involved so be it, I don’t know what was to be learned. 

 

·       Today’s freestyle Friday was an experience learned. Not to take things for granted and to appreciate our health. Learned about the different disorders, the symptoms and learned about the friends and advocates organizations. It was a good presentation.

 

·       I thought it was a good to learn about the resources for mental health in our community and how people can live with mental illness every day. 

 

·       Learned about mental health illness and how they develop and it are a very serious thing, you can get help with the illness and you can be normal again. Also those drugs can trigger the illness to act up on you.

 

·       The freestyle Friday  session on Mental Health was very Informative. I learned that there are many different types of mental disorders individuals have to cope with in their lives which are difficult. I find the Friends & Advocated Peel organization to be very helpful because they assist those who have been diagnosed with a mental illness so that the individuals wouldn’t feel alone. Also I found the student guess speaker very passionate about the presentation, it shows how dedicated she is to her work and how important mental health is.

LAWYER

                                          KAREN CUNNINGHAM

  FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

2 November 2012

 

·       Inspirational Speaker: I feel that patience is key and when you wait for good things to come to you they do. I feel she inspired me to do well in life and achieve my goal.

 

·       Lawyers: You need to go to school for 3 years before you can actually go to school for legal services and you should not let lack of money stop you from going to school from school because you can pay it back later. 

 

·       Why I  was late: I was late because my ride was stuck in traffic and I had to go the bank before I got here.

 

·       Pursuing your dreams: I learned today that I can be anything I want to be, I just have to work hard and do my best.

 

·       I loved the meeting because I need good lawyers to take advice and was a perfect person that I trust to take advice from. Also I learned to get my dream and goals truly.

 

·       I was late and I didn’t get to hear anything but I know you have to do three years of law courses for college to be a Lawyer and you have to be determined to complete the course the course and I was late because I was getting my hair done and it took long and I miss the bus.

 

·       I learned that I should never give up and fight for my goal.

 

·       I like this meeting because even though I wasn’t looking into this as a    career but it was still worth the time to learn about struggle and what it means to go through life trying your hardest.

 

·       The meeting give me advice and how I can get to my dreams. Also, the life that was difficult her when she was young and when she tried to get a better life, future and job. Her dream is to be a Lawyer; the years of her education are long but they go fast. I believe that my education will be easier and faster as her, I like to be a doctor and to get a better future. I loved this meeting because it gave me a confidence in myself to fight for my goal and to never think my dream will be impossible.

 

·       I learned that I should never give up and to achieve my goal, I should go behind it even if there are a lot of troubles, but if you give up that will be a real problem.

 

·       The meeting was amazing and I learned from her experience a lot. I learned that I have to achieve my goal although all the hard times.

 

·       She was very informative for somebody that would be interested in law school or pursing anything that in a similar field. From this meeting I learned that you can go to school in a different country and can be the same equivalent of maser degree.

 

·       The lesson /guest speaker was inspirational and we learned a lot about success and life goals. Patience is the key to everything and as long as you strive you can be great in life and have a successful career in life.

 

·       I learned a lot about law school and universities. Firstly there are many struggles in becoming a Lawyer. I learned that any profession takes long and you cannot short cuts. I learned about good tips that are useful for the future. In conclusion becoming anything takes lots of work.

 

·       I learned that not to stop trying and never give up and you can be anything you want and always be on top of your game, always read but I’m working now and I’m working now and I really don’t have time sorry!!!  

 

·       I feel nice, but also learned you got to work really hard to get a good job and career. It inspired me to go to College, so I can a good and successful life, that I can have a family and support them. Also, have a good life.

 

·       Becoming a Lawyer takes years to long for my liking. A Lawyer is not my future. I like to do hands on work so I’m going to College for Carpentry.  I learned you have to go to university for 7 years and get an undergraduate degree course before going to school for law. 

 

                                        SOUTH CENTRAL MOVIE

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

19 October 2012

·        The movie tells allot about violence and how our surroundings change us to the people that are different.  Friends and societies sometimes drag us and make us different in a way that may cost us our lives. Last week’s reflection was learning more about who is to blame when it comes to HIV and AIDS and at the end it takes everyone to help one another and we need to change ourselves before we are able to change others.

 

·        I learned how to not trust people but not all people. I have to take care of myself and learn how to depend on myself not depending on other people. Also I learned how to help people. I learned that people should not take drugs because it will ruin their lives and also their bodies. By the end I learned allot of things from the movie.

 

·       I thought that the movie was entertaining and it was a good story trying to portray the life of a gang in LA. This was probably one of the most entertaining freestyle Fridays.

 

·        I think about tonight’s freestyle that is don’t trust people and be adult enough to decide who to spend your time with for example good people not bad influence people. In addition I learned that don’t walk with bad influence people. For example they are who taking drugs and stealing. Also it depends on some people thoughts and their behaviours from their family or community, either their friends at school or out of school. The family should be clear with each other and trust each other to build a good family that will not get the members into trouble. The drug could do anything it may cause you to lose your mind or even worse die.

 

·        The film was amazing; I learned that I must not trust everyone willing. Also do not take drugs because we will hurt not only ourselves but also the people in and around our lives.  Also we must not steal and do silly things to get ourselves into trouble instead we must do the best we can and keep out family together. The end result is do not take drugs because it’s not good for you.

 

·        I think the movie was a good one it shows that killing not only takes a life but it also affects a life.

 

·        Freestyle Friday was good I learned that you can your life at any time it’s all up to you the person and also you can’t trust  your friend if you don’t know them for long or have a proper understanding of their personality.

 

·        It was pretty boring watching south central, waited so long for freestyle Friday to begin, honestly the food was the best part about tonight.

 

·        I think tonight freestyle Friday was really amazing. I really enjoyed the movie. I learned a really big message in the movie and I really felt the change that occurred through the life of bobby Johnson. How he became a gangster and how he left gang banging to become a real man and most of all a loving father towards his son jimmy. 

 

·        What I learned from the movie is that you can change your life no matter how bad or tough the situation is. Life is like a hill every step you take a viewing of growth and change

 

   RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

WORKSHOP

SEPTEMBER 29, 2012

 

 

·         I think it is very corrupt system that has too much authority in our community. They try to abuse their power and get away with it on a daily basis. They need to get officers actually willing to do good for society.

 

·         That they need to fly the CJYS. They give people so much time in jail, for the simplest thing. Then when it comes to people with murder they get bail and have curfew or house arrest. It’s not fair. They need to focus more on the serious matters. Police feel that they have so much power to do whatever they want to do. That they won’t get caught for doing anything like beating people for no reason and having a warrant for checking people but they do so anyways.

 

·         I personally think the criminal justice system is unfair and unreasonable. The CJS puts the people who are remorseful for their actions in jail and the one who have murdered or caused and interference are the ones who are being held out on the streets.

 

·         I think the current criminal justice system in not fair cause cops now days are racist. To black, Muslim. Any color and I think the people in jail shouldn’t be in there and some people on the streets should be in jail and people get into trouble for stupid reason.

 

·         I have no problem with the current justice system but I don’t think it’s fair. This saying “ if you do the crime then you do the time,” does make sense, but I don’t see how people that get charged with crime.

 

 

 

 

                                        A CLOSER LOOK AT ME

                                 UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF 

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

28 September 2012

 

·        Today was very interesting. It was my day but not my last. Angela makes me laugh although we started a little late, time flew by very fast. It was a very nice gathering.

·        I thought it was good to think of the changes I’ve made since I have started the program. I also thought it was a bit too much paper work.

·        Tonight’s freestyle Friday was okay. We missed out on the beverages but that’s alright. I get to sit beside beautiful Daniel. I learned allot about myself and the people around me.

·        Tonight we had to fill out allot of paper work it was exhausting but it forced me to look into myself to find the answers. Some weren’t good but I was honest. Today’s meeting made me look at areas in my life that matter. Angela’s method of then discussing with us topics of daily functions, life habits and many more. She helped me to look at my life from the outside and verify areas in which change could and would lead to a better tomorrow.

·        It was very helpful and I think I learned allot and I just feel like the world could be a better place if we do things different in a way that is right.

·        It was very interesting for the first time and I gained some knowledge.

·        I thought it was good to look back on my old self and take into consideration the positive turns my life has steered to. I thought it was good how everyone reflected truthfully on how their life has changed in the past year.

·        It wasn’t bad didn’t do allot of work just answered a bit of questions. Not that boring today, talked about what were going be in three years.

·        Tonight’s freestyle Fridays was very amusing and funny. Out of all the topic of discussion we had a very serious conversation about unity and about our hopes and dreams and what we want to be in the near future.

·        Tonight was a good night the discussion was entertaining and thought provoking. The topic was a well though, the meeting was simply interesting.

 

·        Today’s meeting I learned allot about myself and the things I could improve on. I learned that choices are not handed to you but earned 

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

WORKSHOP

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

 

·         Well my thoughts on our current criminal justice system are not very good. I don’t think all the rules are fair sometimes people get charged for things they didn’t do and just because there’s no proof the cop’s word always wins and the person gets screwed over.

 

·         Our current criminal justice system is not that bad but they don’t pay attention to the serious matters that happens around our society. They stop people give them tickets, charge kids for smoking weed but seriously there’s people out there selling big drugs and drug houses all around the city but can’t find them because they ain’t trying hard enough to look for them. The system is just not fair to most people.

 

·         I think the current criminal justice system is distributed, racial and stereotypical to all colored ethnicities. Through my eye’s the police especially peel regional. They beat up my friend for know reason what so ever. Plus they had no warrant to search him at all. When he had stated that he knows his rights. They stated that they don’t care which is totally wrong being the law the people that are suppose to protect us. Not harm us and beat us up.

 

·         I think the current criminal justice system takes long to process someone’s case and usually as you wait your either in jail, have restrictions, or on house arrest and during that process you have more chances of getting in worst trouble then the current case making it harder for the accused to walk free. The system gives people lawyers that are not experienced when you can’t afford one and they hardly win your case and they easily find you guilty even when the case had not enough evidence to start off. I also think that the sentence are too extreme especially for first time offences.

 

                                                       

                                                       

                                                              SIU 

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

21 SEPTEMBER 2012

 

·        It was okay didn’t really catch my full attention on the guest speaker. Learned a few things about S.I.U. it was a bit interesting. I didn’t know anyone in the room, the room was pretty full and we got to see some pictures of some of the investigations.

 

·        I thought it was a very good night learned a lot of new things I had no idea about. I also thought that the presentation was very helpful and interesting. Can’t wait for next class to see what else new I’m going to be introduced to.

 

·        I thought it was very good. I learned things such as information on the SIU. The SIU are pretty much people who are able to charge people officers for committing unlawful actions. There is interesting because they don’t give any remorse to police for them they commit any of these offences.

 

·        Special investigations unit are lead detectives who have priority over any police force in the investigation of the incident. They investigate incidents that involve victim involved in altercations with police officers whether there is an injury, assault or death the SIU will investigate every case to make sure there was no foul play involved. People can report to the SIU directly if involved in situations where they had an altercation with police officers, but if there is death involved the police officers have to participate fully and provide any asked information asked by the SIU. They aren’t police officers but peace officers as they won’t to make sure there is justice in both parties and to make sure if there is mistakes made by police they are reported and investigated.

 

·        I enjoyed tonight’s freestyle Friday. I learned how the SIU over look investigations and how they are basically the police for police. This is my first time attending freestyle Friday it wasn’t as boring as I thought it would be. I learned a lot of different things that could benefit me if I were to ever have some sort of altercation with the police.

 

·        That the roads are very dangerous and that anything can happen at any time so you should watch for what’s around you, look out for crimes and what not, and if you do a crime it will be investigated and the SIU will find out, and the SIU is a different organization then the real police force and learned about serious crimes that had happen.

 

·        I thought tonight’s freestyle Friday was good. It made me aware that the streets are very dangerous, and about all the people that are dying because they try to out run police.

 

·        I think that tonight’s freestyle Friday was really interesting. I never would have thought that Canada would have their own FBI and of force. That’s actually really cool. There kind of like forensics’ like CSI. In conclusion I learned a lot in this presentation. It was very nice workshop.

 

·        I think it was great and a very good experience. And I learned a lot from it. She presented very well and I learned a lot from it. Overall the presentation was good and I learned a lot of knowledge.

 

·        I learned about police officers and the SIU program and how they work things.

 

·        I thought it was good to know there is a service over seeing the police. It makes me feel better knowing the police aren’t fully above the law even though they have a lot of authority they don’t have as much as I thought. I thought it was a good lesson on the Canadian authorities.

 

·        Todays meeting was education and productive, especially if your someone who wants to go into the law business. We learned about when a “SIU” does and their role in society. Also learned about the kind of cases they take on. Also learned that “SIU” are not police officers, but they are peace officers!

 

·        I thought it was a good way to gain community love and have fun. I learned that not all cops are good people because they work for the law but they are also criminals.

 

·        Today was a great night, I have learned so much information. I learned a lot about things I never knew. Tonight I also learned about a career I might be interested in the future. Today was very helpful.

 

·        Todays freestyle Friday was pretty boring. I believe teens are more into sex life than about SIU. I enjoy coming to Reachout but today there was to many many many many men and me mellow loves women. Please Angela invite more ladies.

 

·        Great class wouldn’t change anything. Learn a lot about my right and about the different law in the system.

 

·        This was a great freestyle Friday, I actually like this SIU people. I am glad to know there’s some one the people can depend on.

 

                                           HOW RACIST ARE YOU

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

14 September 2012

 

·       Today’s video was very knowledgeable and educational, I learned allot about racism throughout the video were different approaches were made. Racism is more hidden and organised to the point where it’s not as noticeable as before. Racism isn’t based on your skin colour as much; it’s more based on your knowledge, the way your dressed etc.....  I think racism can’t be stopped but instead more controlled.

 

·        It was a good evening it was informative information. Freestyle Friday is chill not much work to do, not a long time in the room. I learned how people don’t think there racist but really they are bit by bit. They get offended when their called racist because they don’t believe they are.

 

·        I learned allot about racism. I feel like racism is hidden and more organised than it was before. It is more controlled and informative, people don’t want to express it as before because of the law. It’s more diverse because of religion, location and money. People feel like categorizing themselves so that when they experience something they feel is more major and organised.

 

·        It was a good evening; we talked about something very interesting today. The video was very informative about racism. I appreciate the knowledge I gained from this video today.

 

·        I think tonight’s freestyle Friday was really serious and really good for everyone to see and to learn racism in its purest form because it is happening all over the world in every race and culture.

 

·        That racism still lives until this day. Still seems like everyone is racist in their own way. Everyone says a one or two comment about someone else’s race. Black and white people mostly make racist comments, even about their own race. People that are different races other than white have it worse but it’s not as bad as it was back in the day.  

     HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO HAVE A PERSONAL ITEM TAKEN                                                      AWAY FROM YOU

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

 

17 August 2012

 

·        I would feel very upset and angry is somebody took my belongings. It would make me more careful and have my eye on all my items.

 

·        If I had personal item taken away from me, I would be very angry and upset that it happen to me. I would feel that I should get back at the person who took my belongs without my permission.

 

·        If I had a personal item taking away from me I would be upset cause I worked hard to obtain that item. Its mine nobody should take it away from me.

 

·        To have something taken away from me would upset me. I’d want to know why they did it; I would lose trust towards this person and the people around me. My attitude over time would change.

 

·        Obviously I would feel violated if someone were to take my belongings. I would never let them take my stuff if they tried to. I have way to much pride to let anyone do that to me. I would definitely fight them if they tried to take anything. They would get dealt with. The only way anyone would be able to violate me like that if there strapped, or have a burner on them. I’m pretty sure they would literally have to shot me to take me belongings.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

17 August 2012

 

·     Today was great I enjoyed every hit of the guest speaker and the food was great.

·    I learned to learn from my decisions

·    My own behaviours is not a bad behaviour and I learned that learn that I have making the choices.

·  I really liked the topic a lot.  It gave me a lot of knowledge and more understanding.  It taught me to make the right choices and how it will affect your future.  Being lazy now will effect where you’re going in life.  Your destiny and your image in the mind will help you succeed only if the right positive choices are made.

·   This was a very good topic I really like to make the right choices for myself to succeed and to follow my dreams.  I really enjoyed the presentation it helped me to understand the right choices to make when I’m ever in trouble.

·    I think and feel this way because it was me who I brought myself up think about the consequences later because it’s all about what you’re doing now, but that’s changed now.  I think about if I’m willing to pay the price for my actions.

·   I think this topic is really important and useful because it is heading is to make the right decision at the harder situations and make right choices of your life and keep you on the right track.

·  I feel that I learned what to do when I am in these kinds of situations.

· It was good because you learn that all your choices have reaction and that you should make the correct choice. I think making the right choices will benefit you in the long term while youth think benefit you in the mean time but not help you in the future. I think that making choices, big or small impact your future, but just because it’s a negative choice doesn’t meant negative impact. Things that you do in life will affect you no matter how far apart they happened.   Making right choices is ritual that we go through all the time.  Choices are never ending cycle.

·  Making your own choices is a very big thing.  It is overlooked by many but today’s lesson opened up my eyes and I am quite certain that it will be able to apply a lot of the things I have learned today in my everyday life.

 

  · It is important to reflect on past decisions so you can make better ones in the future.  If you don’t you will put yourself in a rut and will end up respecting the same mistakes over and over again.  Before making decisions you should first take a second and think about how it will play out before you act on it. Learned to make better choices and how my choices could impact my life.

 

 

 

STANLEY TOOKIE WILLIAMS

DOCUMENTARY

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

11 MAY 2012

 

·        I thought that tonight’s freestyle Friday was very chill and open environment to be in and discuss/even about things that will keep us away from crime.

 

·        It was fun and made me think of the everyday things that happen that we don’t seem to see. It was interesting and sad. He did not deserve to die. No matter the circumstances. It made me think about the death penalty and how inhumane and merciless it is

 

·        I learned that gangs are made for many things. I also learned that Tookie made the crips gang. I also learned that the state of California killed an innocent man.

 

·        I think it was a good experience and we learned that getting caught up in gang violence is not good and to be careful of who you call friends because anyone can frame you

 

·        I think that tonight’s freestyle Friday was very informational and entertaining I believe that this would be something that I will attend more often so that I learn the importance of staying out of gangs and crime

 

 

 

BEYOND SCARED STRAIGHT

TRIBUTE TO JAZZ 

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

23 March 2012

 

 ·  Today I learned a lot although I am not a bad child and I always influence others to do better.  I have learned that prison is not a nice place, especially for a young person, so no matter what I’ve been through don’t do foolish things to end up there.  I have promised my father and mother that I will never get charged again and I am going to make sure I don’t because I like seeing them smile.

 

·  Jail is bad, don’t go to jail you get raped in the ass its bad.

 

· Change will come to those who seek change.  No one is your biggest enemy than you and no one is your bigger friend than you.  You can take someone to the lake, but you can’t teach them how to fish.

 

·  I don’t fear what others do, I feel that whatever path I chase I can handle.

 

· I think that a mother can be both a best friend and mother; however, the mother should have a balance.  I think that it’s actually a good thing as well.

 

· I think is good for someone who has been in that situation is the best person to teach someone who is heading that way and let them know what it’s like to be there.

 

· It didn’t really affect me because I have been through a lot of similar issues and turned it around and I know it never happens right away.

 

· I feel that the video is very real and is a good life experience for the kids that were there.  I learned that life is too short and precious so live everyday with caution, get rid of the attitude I have and respect everybody.

 

· The video was good and really opened my eyes I need to start walking down the right path and have a different view of life.  You live today, you’re gone tomorrow. So I have learned not to take life for granted.

 

· Today’s topic was interesting I will always make it my duty to stay out of trouble and make the best decisions for me.  I always had a very strong and positive upbringing and it is just so beneficial to get the proper upbringing.  It makes you value your life.

 

·  I think you can change for the better even if you have committed some bad acts in your life.  You change by taking small steps from the bad influences in your life or friends.

 

PLANET OF THE APES MOVIE NIGHT

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

17 March 2012

 

· I watched a movie

 

· I relate to Cesar’s father.  The reason why I say this is because I always try and help guide people to do the right thing.  The ape characters I relate to is the orangutans that has telling Cesers to be careful the reason why is because I would rather someone is crazy to start something than me.

 

·The movie was very exciting and inspiring

 

·Cesar he was very smart and brave with Cesar

 

·The character that identified with was the veterinarian.  The way how she loved and respected the apes that she risk almost going over the bridge so that Cesar “father” can talk to him.  She very humble and I’m humble as sh.  I find that I will do for family, and that I will do for family, and I will sacrifice if I have to for them which is what I saw in the movie.

 

·I identified Cesar, the child of bright eyes.  I believe that I relate to Cesar because he was very determined to get what he wanted.  Cesar also showed intelligence throughout the film.  He had faith in his peers as do I.  He was able to share his fellow apes what they were capable of. 

 

· Cesar because he is the smarts and he brings all of the apes together to make the plan and he is a father.  The humans made the apes look bad like they are dangerous but they only wanted to be free.

 

· Cesar was the best character in the movie because Cesar is the leader of the tribe.  I am also a leader and that’s why I can relate to Cesar.  Cesar is the best, you know?

 

·  I identify myself with the main ape in the movie because he’s stubborn and holds a grudge.  I relate being stubborn and holding a grudge because I don’t like being told to do sometimes and in result won’t do anything.  Also I hold a grudge because if you do something I don’t like towards me, I’m going to ignore you or do the same thing back.

 

·  The movie was bless.  I saw defiance.  I feel no ways.  There was Cesar he was the leader I relate to him.

 

AFRICAN HISTORY

HIDDEN COLORS DVD

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

2 March 2012

 

·    African History is good.  It’s good to know African History because African History is good to know.  When you know where you’re coming from like African for me.  It’s good to know that you’re a African.

 

·  Racism means disrespecting, putting down discriminating of another culture.  In the movie we watched European people disguise the African culture and made it look like white people did all these amazing things.  When it’s false.  I feel so disgusted the people will take years to destroy a race because they feel powerless.

 

· My reflection on this film is that I’ve never knew about my African culture the way they had explained.  I have had an understanding that yes; we all were came from Africa and had some type of descent from Africa, but I’ve never knew about the majority of people from history was African like Abraham Lincoln back etc.

 

· It’s very shocking how to me, history is modern from us when we learn only about the surface.  Only about the white history.  I believe the revolution of history should be televised.

 

· I have learned a lot tonight.  I am so surprised of all these things and all the black history and truth.   This has made me feel to better myself and do more positive things and try and change my life.  The reason being is because being a young black male is very important but in society today they just want us to fall but I’m not going to let that happen.   I am going to do something that I know I will be very proud about once I am older.

 

·Racism is not only the inequality of people only because of the colour of their skin, but also the troubles, punishments, situations etc. That not all but many if not most of the coloured people had to go through, just to make a man who not coloured superior to a coloured man which is clearly stupidity and unfair.  Racism can be argued as the main reason men end up in jail.

 

PEEL CRISIS SERVICES

GUEST SPEAKER KIMBERLY

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

FEBUARY 3, 2012

 

·  I learned about getting what I need and where to contact when I need it. 

 

·  Mental health is something many people has a problem with pacing this problem.  I learned about marijuana.

 

· The presentation was about a lot of different things like how drugs can harm you and how you can become psychotic and other things.  I learn that alcohol cannot make you become psychotic.  It was very good presentation I learned a lot.

 

·  I been to the bottom and am going to the top.

 

· During the past week of my life what I was able to accomplish was to get back into my old school.  After being kicked out for a semester and sent to another school. Outside of school I started serving out my community service hours for probation.

 

· If I have any mental problems I’m going to call that program to help me.

 

· I feel the topic didn’t concern me.  If I have or develop any mental illnesses I’ll live with it.  In the future I’ll tell someone of my friends about the program.

 

· Mental health is something many people has a problem with; but many people have a problem with facing the problem.  I learned that marijuana abuse is an increasing concern among many.  Marijuana abuse starts off the first step which then increases and can become much more severe.  So if anyone we know or see with mental issues/problems the best thing we can do for both their and our safety is call someone we know who can help.

 

·Today was a good day.  Made a few stacks and there is a sweet girl here and I want to get to know her.

 

· This presentation was good. I liked it a lot.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

FRATERNITY

12 February 2011

   ·  “Be your brother’s keeper cause times are getting sleeper” quote I got off the guest speaker. I learned interesting facts about the Mians and how their calendar ends at December 21 2012. That’s where people get the concept that the worlds going to end in 2012. I also learned interesting facts about Egypt and other countries.

·        I have learned that history has changed our society.

 

·      Today we learned a lot about black history and normal history. We were told that we learned like 5000 years of information, we also heard some guy playing the bongo drums and it sounded wicked. Overall I'm happy my hours are completed.

 

 

·        Today was a really interesting and informative speech. I feel like I have learned a lot of things I never knew. This speech really was amazing because I am really interested in History. I found information on the pyramids amazing. Furthermore I enjoyed listening to all of the truths I never would have known if I didn't attend. I find it great how Yofed is involved in all these charitable causes for the community. I think he is doing a really great thing. Another amazing fact is that I found the Obama is not really the black president.

 

·        I got to know about Egypt culture. It was very interesting I also want to go there.

 

·        I learned about black society and the past 5000 years ago. The history that we could never learn in high school. I've gained knowledge about the slavery, racism, and black and white people. The lecture was not a regular lecture.

 

·        Today was a great experience, the history was of not only black nation, but worldwide, has taught me the importance of teaching ourselves the real truth of history, and the comparisons of what has been passed down generations, how it was thousands and thousands of years ago, compared to now. Today it taught me how high schools were limiting our knowledge.

 

·        In my own opinion, I believe me being here is the best experience I have ever had, not only did I get through a lot, but I also to know about my inner culture.

 

·        Today I learned a lot of new things about black history. The guest speaker that was brought in today was amazing in explaining and teaching us the history of black people. Today I learned many things that I didn't know before. I think the schools in this community don’t teach us the proper history. I think that you guys should hold more forums to tell about black people. I have noticed that black people are portrayed to us as uneducated bad people.

 

·        What I learned in this presentation is that black people have been around for a long time and that black people have made it to be something successful.

 

·        Today I learned some new things about Egypt and the Pharaohs and how the black race was always moving around and how the media lies about things.

 

·        Today I learned a lot about black history that I didn't know. The professor went into great detail about how black people were all over the world creating, inventing and even over-powering the other races. I never thought I would learn so much in an hour and a half.

 

·        I enjoyed this forum today. I learned about the African drums, and I also learned that Barack Obama was not the first black president. It was very exciting learning that these bongos were made of goat-skin.

 

·        We went over black history month and how African people serve a big roll in the community. We also talked about the Pharaohs from Egypt 5000 years ago.

 BLACK HISTORY

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

10 FEBRUARY 2012

 

·        I feel that Black History month isn’t being respected the way it should be. I believe that African Canadians don’t take it to consideration because we don’t take it in (direct to the teens). I think if us teens actually respect what black people have done for us then we could understand more about our people instead of what the teachers and media give us.

 

·        I think black history means a lot to me its bring me back to the history of my race. And it let me know how much my right means to me these days.

 

·        Today we talked about Black History and the meaning and the reason for certain things that happen in the old day/the pass. Talking about these thing and sharing my opinion and listening to other and what they had to say and it showed me the different ways and means of life and history referring to us.

 

·        Learnt to appreciate your culture and black history month is the take time and think about the fact are ancestors fought for us.

 

·        Todays topic was well discussed I hope most youth that were here today will be taking home something they have learned. Black History month can mean a lot of different things but to me its just a simple reminder that i am very fortunate to have been born in the 21^st century era. I’m no fool and I am no scientist but at the end of the day I do know a few things which helped shape me into the person I am today my mom is very important to me she is my role model. I am black and proud. Black history months yes months because of everyday of everything I’m gonna be black is extremely important everyone should make it their duty to be educated.

 

·        I did not know a lot about black history month but I did learn somethings today. What I do know about black history month I don’t think it is right what they did. Color should not matter about anything we are all the same in away.

 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

10 February 2012

·   The power point presentation was very interesting and informative. I really liked the play and bongos. I really liked the bongos because I have an interest in playing drums. I also liked the dance the three girls did. Yfet’s speech was inspiring because my parents keep telling me to be something in the medical field but I want to pursue my own goals, even if I don’t know what they are yet. 

·  My law teacher always stressed the importance of learning about Black history. He always questioned why the school did not offer a course on it. What was stated earlier in the presentation was right. It is important for everyone to know about this topic. Civil right is something that we all should be concerned about. Being a part of society means anything that happens to it will affect us somehow. We should fight for the rights of humanity and not just fight for ourselves.
 
· I learned a lot about things that I haven’t known before, and more than I already do. I learned that people aren’t supposed to control what we to do, it’s our own decision, because it is our own lives that we want to live. What we do shouldn’t matter as long as it’s our decision and it’s what we want to be doing.
 
· The event was educational, but I also did have fun. I learned about what influential people do and why they are important.
 
· Today was a very useful day, I have got different outlooks on different people and it was nice because I met people from other races. I would come to more of these. The people are very nice and I got a nice welcoming when I came in.
 
· This presentation taught me a lot. There were many people mentioned who I had heard of before but I never knew exactly what they had done to become known. This presentation taught me what they did and showed me big events in Black people getting their freedom.
 
·In today’s presentation I learned many things about black history and the importance of it. I thought the plays shown were very well done because it displayed good talent about these black women. Compared to last time, there were many presentations and a lot of information about black history and our world. Also when Ayfat spoke to us he really taught us the important things in life. He inspired me to fulfil my goals and to be successful in life.

 

·Today I learned many new things I never learned before. The speakers were very inspiring and helped me want to push harder to achieve my goals. I learnt that making mistakes are great to learn from. I learned that when you are being put down, you have to be strong and persevere to fulfil your purpose in life.
 
·Today was informational; I learned new stuff and stuff I already knew. The performances were interesting and the speakers were great. I learned that education is very important and that it should be a priority.
 
· I enjoyed the Rise presentation and the drums, I also learned about the different leaders and what education really means.
 
· I gained knowledge, learned about stuff I didn’t know, raised my awareness level, made me realise the importance of not necessarily racism but discrimination and stuff. It was fun, refreshing, amazing...
 
· Today was a good experience, similar to what I learned a few weeks ago. But today was more based on future decision, and mainly discussions about who we are. The history of the African, American background and the changes we can pursue. The lesson we have learned. Standing up for ourselves. Don’t judge people based on their color.
 
·Today I learned the importance of learning about black history and that most people do not learn about it, but rather are trained to learn what other people want to teach them. I also learned about the hardships black people had to face in order to get to where they are. You need to learn where you came from to know where you are going.
 
· I learned a lot about black history today. I learned about the hardships and the struggles that black people have gone through to get their freedom. It is important for us to learn about black history so we can realise and understand what black people have gone through to get to where they are today.
 
· I felt that I learned more about the liberation and freedom of the black society. I learned that Martin Luther King was not the most requested public speaker.
 
·I thought that the PowerPoint was very informative, and gave me an abundance of knowledge about black history. I also thought that the musical dramatic performances were very interesting and creative. The dramatic performance was a personal favourite, as well as the bongo performance. Yefets speech was also very moving, and made me think about my education. Overall, I think this was a very enriching experience.
 
· Today, I learned a lot about Black people, slavery and Black history. I think it’s important to learn about these things because people should know what other people (black people) have been through to get to where they are. “You need to know where you came from to know where you are going.”

KNOWING YOUR TALENTS

ADEEMA (SINGER)

  FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

27 January 2012

 

· Don’t be scared.  Let out your talent and everyone has one, sing and love GOD and won’t go wrong if you have JAH in your life.

 

·  It was good, I learned to follow my talents

 

· The way I feel about today’s topic is that if you have a talent regardless of what it is you should work on it and keep practicing.

 

· Today’s topic is based on talent and how we can use it.

 

· It made me feel to speak up and to not be shy.

 

· It was good and saw a lot of faces.  I will love to come back and I’ll bring friends and talk next time.

 

· Everyone has different talents but we are all supposed to work together.  If we started to value each other more, the world would be a better place.

 

·I feel that singing can also learn us young kids to know what we want in life and how to get it.

 

·I feel that singing makes this world calm and without music the world would be a crazy place.

 

· Music could help change stressed out people’s lives in so many ways.

 

·Talent: Abeena was the presenter of the talent show. She also writes and sings and plays the guitar.  Abeena opened the program with prayer and the quote from the bible Matthew.  25 quote talk about talent, which was very inspirational, the youths learned that being talent and nurturing talents is good.  Abeena performed three songs which was inspiring and also engaged the youth by asking them for their names and what they’re future holds for them in the year 2012.  Overall, it was very enjoying and refreshing.

 

·Nobody can make our decisions for us, but our ownselves.  Everyone has their own talents, which they must look for and find in themselves.  But those who hide their talents, will be sidetracked and end up losing much more than just the chance to succeed and by the shining star.

 

· I felt good about this topic because I was into my talent but not as much as I could be,  I want to expand my talents and to see if I could make a career for it later on in life, but for now I continue to grow.

 

·What I have learned today about talents is to be happy with what you have, and what you do because you can be successful.  You just need to put your mind to it, and over come that fear of that talent you have.  Also another point about talent is if you have you one always do your best no matter what.

 

·I was inspired.  The reason why I felt that way is because I have never really thought about my talents and what I want to do other than playing basketball so this really made me think about what I should start doing to achieve my goal in life.

 

·The way I think about this topic is the same thing the lady told me that everyone have an talent it’s just you have to realize and use it to all if your ability.  The way I can apply this new awareness is to not to be afraid to show your talent your can do anything you can from you but you mind to it, the way I can benefit from this you not to be afraid to show your true talent cause you never know until you actually take a chance.

 

 

 

LIFE

                     GUEST SPEAKER DWAYNE MILLER

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

20 January 2012

 

·  I’ve lost a lot of my niggas out here trying to feed their fams.  Life is too short to give up for vanity.

 

· This was good because it showed me that even if a crime feels good at the time, there will be consequences in the long run and don’t break the law.

 

·The speaker talked to us about how his life has been as a troubled youth from the age of 14 to early 20’s.  He made some wrong choices and spent quite some time behind bars.  Being behind bars was a horrible experience.  He advised the youth to stay out of trouble, stay in school and make something of their lives.  Very good presentation you seem to consume the information well.

 

·I learn to keep away from bad company and negative things to keep out of trouble and don’t keep doing the same thing over and over again.

 

·I feel like I need to make better choices when choosing friends and I need to buckle down and start doing my homework and get a job.

 

·If you do the crime, or break the law in any way you will go to jail.

 

·To be locked up isn’t a good feeling. Some things we take advantage of is our freedom.  I can begin to look at my life thinking about how my actions effect the ones I love.

 

·To be in jail is not a good thing, and it affects your life and the surroundings around you.  And if we don’t stop what we’re doing now, our life can go downhill.

 

· I think what he’s saying is true.  Because they just want to keep you in the system. Eventually you will get caught so it’s better not to do it. 

 

· Just stay out of the system, don’t do bad things or get caught.  And no matter what, you are doing to get caught.

 

· I feel like I should start to remove friends that tend to influence me in a negative way.  I see if I keep going on doing foolishness I can end up in jail too.  This talk had really benefited me.  It really makes you think what you do as a kid can affect you in the long-term.

 

·  The reason why I think and feel the way I do regarding this topic is the things that I see around me.  The way I can benefit from this new awareness is by learning from Dwayne’s mistake and trying not to make the same mistake.  I learned the getting locked up is a serious situation, and this kind of help for me to not do anything to get me in prison.

 

· I feel that the topic is true that the guess speaker is talking about because if you keep yourself situated by positive people, you’ll do positive things. 
I think the meeting went well.

 

· The message that came across this reflection was having to be positive community and surround yourself with proactive people who work hard to become what they want.  This reflection is an eye opener for young teens to try to get them off the street or stay out of trouble, cause nowadays these youth/young adults are not leaders.  They are followers and try to just impress their peers.  I’ve learnt that education is the key to life and atmosphere is different in the real world.

 

· By listening to an experienced man and his past has influenced me to try and curve my path by choosing people I chill with, such as things I do on a daily, and changing them to be positive things.

 

FREEDOM WRITERS

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

9 December 2011

 

·         What I learned from the movie is that there is more to gang and violence and education is the right way to go.  Also you shouldn’t let where you come from affect how you learn in school.

 

·         I learned that there is more to life than gang violence and where you live.  Education is key and once you discover that you can go far in life.  And you shouldn’t let your background and where you come from affect your learning in school.  You can go far regardless of what other people say and think.  You don’t always have to follow stereotypes and rules be your own person.

 

·         Troubled kids that need help with anger problems and their life problems and learn how to solve them in a more positive way.

 

·         This movie was about gang violence and how it is not all about the color of your skin, it’s about who you are.  This teacher comes into their life to show them what life is really about and for them to turn their life around, and show these kids that they can be something in life and that they can change the world into a better future. These kids had to go through something that kids now would never go through in our lives.

 

·         I didn’t learn anything from this movie.

 

·         these kids learn how to solve their problems.

 

·         I watch this movie like a billion times for English class and many other things.  I like this movie very much it was a movie that showed many real life situations.

 

·         This movie is a good movie because it teaches you a lot of things like reading and be good to people.  Don’t get caught into the wrong thing.  It teaches you how to be happy.  I like party so I like that part of the movie.

 

·         The movie was good it teach you about racism and the holocaust.  The movie also showed me right from wrong and you can’t judge a book by its cover.  Nobody is perfect and you can’t succeed without any effort.  You can do anything in life if you set your mind to it.

 

·         Freedom Writers is my favourite movie.  I liked watching it.

 

·         I liked the movie.  I’ve seen t before but haven’t seen it in awhile so I enjoyed watching it again.

 

·         Today’s topic was really interesting, it showed that anyone can change and better their own lives.   Change can only occur when the individual decides to change within themselves.  This movie also showed where one person for example the teacher in the movie helped to change the lives of many just by showing that she cared.  I can apply this to my own personal life by being kind to others and not judging a cover by its book lol. I mean book by its cover.  My bad.

 

·         The movie reminds you that change starts within you.  You shouldn’t let others dictate what you can and can’t do.  If you want something to happen you should combine hard work with perseverance and you can achieve anything you want. Work hard.

 

·         I have nothing to say, teachers are wack.

 

·         Honestly, it’s just like any of those movies, where the new teacher comes and starts to like the class and wants to make a difference.  This isn’t an original topic and the movie is alright.  I personally wish that there were more teachers that wanted to make a difference.

 

·         It was a good movie.  It taught me a lot about racism.

 

·         This movie is very motivating, it shows that you can beat anything/pass any obstacles in life. Hearing about these guys stories are sad, shows that we aren’t going to through anything.  The teacher is very brave to go into a school that she doesn’t know nothing about these different people and tries her best to help them.

 

 

·         I think this movie is good because it opens your eyes.  

SUICIDE AND TEENS

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

2 December 2011 

 

·  I didn’t understand this meeting but it was ok.  I learned that when you talk to people who are suicidal, it can help and also make you better person.

 

· I learned that when I heard people talking about killing themselves.  I should take it seriously and to be more positive to people like that, and if you feel like taking your life, you should talk to someone about it.

 

· It was informative.

 

·Suicide is bad for the person who is trynna kill themselves because they have stress and they think they don’t fit in.  I feel sorry for those guys because they sad and cheesed and killing themselves is not right to die young.

 

·Suicide is not a good path to go down by doing this you put your family through stressful times.  Everyone goes through stress times in their life, and feels like shit some days but it isn’t worth taking your own life for.

 

·You need to strive for your goals in order to succeed then no matter what they may be.

 

·  I liked how we talked about what we wanted to be.  Also what goals we wanted to achieve and how to achieve them.

 

·  Suicide is never the right answer.  I think suicide is the coward way out.  If you have problems you can fix them and not just give up.

 

·        What I feel about this topic is that it’s something that happens and the only way to care is helping the person as soon as possible so it doesn’t get worse.

 

·  I feel that suicide isn’t always the right thing but for some people it’s the only thing left to do.

 

·  I haven’t learned a lot from today.

 

· Today’s topic was really interesting good job goes out to the presenters.  They related the information to us in the best way possible.  I have learned a lot of things today that relate to the topic.  I’ve learned some of the things that cause suicidal actions and I also learned that some of the things that can prevent suicidal actions.  The main one that stood out to me was no matter how hard or how rough things may get in life it is very important that ou maintain a positive mindset only that can help better the situation.  I am probably gonna continue coming on Friday it’s very interesting and I like it.

 

·  Knowing symptoms and causes of suicide gives me knowledge in case I know anyone who is going to through depression or contemplating suicide.  Knowing in advance about suicide in teens and youth can prevent someone from harming themselves.  Suicide can also be a cry for help because often when someone attempts suicide they don’t intend to go through with it.

 

·  I feel the topic of suicide is a serious issue.  It is on issue I believe should be addressed.  Nowadays lots of situations involving suicide one occurring.  It seems as though the issue is not being taken seriously and that not a lot of light has been on it all together.  This topic did not give me new information but jut refreshed my memory on it.

 

·  I think suicide amongst teens occurred because teens are vulnerable.  They are at an age wherein they tried to fit into various aspect of society.  Today’s society is very much broken down.  Teens are exposed to so many things that sometimes they are not sure how to balance themselves.  There is the internet, peer pressure family breakdown, teens tend to take on the troubled environment that they are in.  Some teens believe there are no ways out and that then they would feel depressed.  This suicide topic will bring awareness, it also advices teens how to look for signs of suicide, this will definitely help them and their friends should in case they have to assist friends that are at risk.

 

·  Nothing to say today.

 

·  The way I feel about suicide is that it is a serious thing.  People should think twice before committing suicide.  Life is previous and you only live once.

 

·  This kind of habit is not necessary for individual.  For me, suicide is an idiot or stupid thing to be resolving a problem that we have.  It is not reasonable.  Suicide makes you kill.  As the bible says don’t hurt or mess the body that GOD made for you.  If this is a reason for what your bad feelings are, that’s not right.  We just control ourselves for whatever we feel, don’t attempt to make suicide.

 

· This was a very boring meeting, needs something to spice it up.

 

·   I feel sorry for those who want to commit suicide.  I don’t think about this topic and I don’t feel no way, because I don’t like it when I hear that a person wants to take their own life. 

 

STI/STD

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

NOVEMEBER 25, 2011

 

 

 

·        I learned to have safe sex to prevent STI’s and Std’s

 

·        I learned that you can get aid’s very easy, and that you should get tested on the regz. And also always rap up.

 

·        Use a condom. Get tested so you know if your HIV positive. Ask your  partner if they have HIV.

 

·        I learned that you can get AIDS easily you should get tested on a daily.

 

·        I learned that STI’s are very common and if you don’t strap up you are at high risk to get them.

 

·        To start off with, this is a great information workshop for young adults to know. Although I personally already know this.

 

·        I think the topic sexual education is very important to know. To be safe, clean and aware of the symptoms. I learned that some infections can be cured or not be cured. It is very important to make sure that you get tested. Use a condom to be protected by the affecting viruses spreading.

 

·        The videos informed me about STI’s/STD’s it just reminded me about the benefits of safe sex and

 

·        I learnt to use condoms when getting oral sex everytime to ensure no STD’s or STI’s are contacted. Don’t have sex without a condom always make sure there are no holes in the condom. Whenever doing anything sexual use a condom.

 

·        I feel that I learned to wrap it up before having sex and I can also tell my friends to as well.

 

·        This was a really good topic. I must say it was quite interesting. I gained a lot of knowledge due to this session. I am gonna use the information that I have learned about today in my everyday life. I am not gonna judge a book by the cover but I’m gonna take the right steps and being cautious from now on will benefit me in many ways.

 

·        I learnt that you can get HIV in lost of ways and some one don’t of to have symptoms or anything to show they, you won’t know onless they tell you.

 

·        I feel that this topic is a really important one. This is because many STI’S/STD’S that all start off as symptoms because the disease you are stuck with it for life. Taking the right choice, which is using protection will save you / protect you from many STD’s / STI’s. 

 

   

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

18 November 2011

 

·      Today was great I enjoyed every hit of the guest speaker and the food was great.

 

·      I learned to learn from my decisions

 

·       My own behaviours is not a bad behaviour and I learned that learn that I have making the choices.

 

·      I really liked the topic a lot.  It gave me a lot of knowledge and more understanding.  It taught me to make the right choices and how it will affect your future.  Being lazy now will effect where you’re going in life.  Your destiny and your image in the mind will help you succeed only if the right positive choices are made.

 

·    This was a very good topic I really like to make the right choices for myself to succeed and to follow my dreams.  I really enjoyed the presentation it helped me to understand the right choices to make when I’m even in trouble.

 

·    I think and feel this way because it was me who I brought myself up think about the consequences later because it’s all about what you’re doing now, but that’s changed now.  I think about if I’m willing to pay the price for my actions.

 

·   I think this topic is really important and useful because it is heading is to make the right decision at the harder situations and make right choices of your life and keep you on the right track.

 

·    I feel that I learned what to do when I am in these kinds of situations.

 

·     It was good because you learn that all your choices have reaction and that you should make the correct choice.

 

·     I think making the right choices will benefit you in the long term while youth think benefit you in the mean time but not help you in the future

 

·    I think that making choices, big or small impact your future, but just because it’s a negative choice doesn’t meant negative impact.

 

·    Things that you do in life will affect you no matter how far apart they happened.   Making right choices is ritual that we go through all the time.  Choices are never ending cycle.

 

·    Making your own choices is a very big thing.  It is overlooked by many but today’s lesson opened up my eyes and I am quite certain that it will be able to apply a lot of the things I have learned today in my everyday life.

 

·    It is important to reflect on past decisions so you can make better ones in the future.  If you don’t you will put yourself in a rut and will end up respecting the same mistakes over and over again.  Before making decisions you should first take a second and think about how it will play out before you act on it.

 

·   Learned to make better choices and how my choices could impact my life.

 

·   I think this topic is really important.  This session made me think about    thinking to make decisions. 

 

 

ADDICTION

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

11 November 2011

 

·        Today’s topic was cool and I learned a lot about different drugs and different ways they could be used and made.

 

·        Today’s topic was a good influence on us to show how much people have spent money on drugs and alcohol and how much students experienced it.

 

·        I learned a lot today that I can use in health test in gym.  And I can also know how it affects me and my friends

 

 

·        Today I learned a lot about the different types of drugs and what effects they can have on you.

 

·        I liked today’s meeting because we talked about stuff I can relate to and information I can use everyday.

 

·        Today’s topic was very interesting and taught me a lot about different drug substances.  It gave me knowledge on the negative outcome.  I learnt that weed doesn’t kill your brain cells.

 

·        It was interesting I learned some new things about drugs I learned enough to keep myself from doing drugs.

 

·        Tonight I learned that there's a lot of students that abuse drugs and alcohol are expected.

 

·        I knew this girl which was my best friend and still is her cousin sniffed MDMA at school and still went to all her classes zluked out of her face.
It was really disturbing and messed up that she would even pull those kinds of movements but the whole school knew yet didn’t say anything to her at all. From my perspective I think that she really shouldn’t of did those kinds of drugs at school it's a waste of time and stupid when she should be more focused on her education.

 

·        Good presentation, I think weed is the best source of substances to get high.  I learned a lot about new drugs and the side effects.

 

·        Today’s topic was good.  I enjoyed it.

 

·        Very informative/helpful and good to know.  Help with decision making and options.

 

·        I think drug presentation was good and learned about my different kind of drugs.

 

·   Not too much information to overload the brain. Information was delivered in a timely manner.  Affiliations makes it interactive, 

youths seem interested in the topics.  Questions were asked. The youth seemed to be stimulated by the topic.

 

·        Today there was a lot of important information that first time hear about it. The drugs how to protect my health from the drugs.

 

·         I enjoyed today’s topic, I learned a lot about the different legal drugs.  There is nothing good that comes out of drugs from experience.  And I agree with it all.  Everything in the end like the end result could lead to death.

 

·        Drugs are truly dangerous to our health.  Cigarettes; and any substance that some youth take are going to make them die.  I think they’re doing this because they are just stressed, depressed, & having more problems in life as well in their families.  When continuing using all this substance we usually die of course, or when were in the hospital because of this.  There will also be a problem that goes with financial.

 

·        I liked how she went through the different drugs and the short term side affects along with the long term affects for each drug.

 

·        It’s good for some of the people to know about these drugs because they don’t know what it can do to them.

 

·        I think it was a lot of information that I learned today and I learned a lot of things that I did not know before.

 

·        I never knew drugs can do bad things to your body like stop your heart beats, slowing down your lungs, getting black and memory loss and health.  Your age change as in skin and faces.  Eg. Cheeks, mouth, swollen, scars oldest showing.

 

·        Addiction are all the affects of drugs.

 

·        Today I have realized that more than what I of people who use illicit drugs are more than I had thought.  Such as the fact that 60% of the people use illicit drugs between the ages of 15-24.  I was completely oblivious to this.

 

·        I think today’s topic was very interesting because we all have learned something that we have not known from before. 

JUSTICE SYSTEM

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

4 November 2011

·  I think the presentation today was very informing.  I learned that I have a lot of rights that should be taken advantage of whenever possible. I also enjoyed the speaking about Ghandi

· I feel like me and my best friend’s right were washed down the drain.  The police treated us with total disrespect by beating my friend up severely and when he asked to have the officers badge number they wouldn’t give it up. I learned my rights and that I don’t have to say a word to the police I can remain silent till I’m in court. I also learned different scenarios where I can be safe and not harassed by any police officer

 

· I feel the justice system is inefficient and needs changes to work effectively.  There are a lot of corrupt people and the police need to obey the law as much as we do.  If police obeyed the law when they’re suppose to people would actually obey the law.  We all need to obey ALL the rules so that the justice system works smoothly.

 

·  I do not like the police because they hit me while I was down and almost made the dog bite me.

 

·   I think I know what I need to know how this police thing works.  I have my own rights.

 

·The reasons why I think that the behaviours are bad some people have anger management.

 

· I think the justice system treat a lot of us y.o.like evil people when they should be checking their officers.

 

· I don’t like police because they killed my best friend for no reason.  That’s why I act this way.

 

· It was a good argument today, I learned a lot and hopefully it could help me out in the future.   If I got a problem with the law...

 

· In the justice system Act it gave me knowledge, and understanding.  I learned that when you’re not arrested minding your own business, they can’t search or arrest under no circumstances.  This topic has taught me laws and how to get my fingerprints or photographs out of the abiding law.

 

· I really liked this presentation. I learned what to do in order to get rid of my charges and my rights.

 

· It gave me knowledge now when a cop approaches me, I know what to do. 

 

·I’ve learnt my rights. I can tell my friends their rights if they don’t know what their rights are.  I learned that one of my most valuable rights is to remain silent.

 

· In my opinion we all should respond to what Police say, but to know what we are being arrested for, and if I am under 18 I’ll keep silent.

 

·Must respect other people, especially the higher person in the court.  We must know our rights in our self and to others.

 

·I think the teachers did a good job on talking about the rights we have as a youth/adult.

 

· I liked how they went through different scenarios to let us know what could happen.  Also I liked how they went through steps to let you know how to clear your fingerprints and photographs.

 

·The justice system I believe is a one way system, the police way, they do as they feel and always mistreat the young and unwise.  I’ve learned that everyone has rules and rights, so all you need to beat the law, you must know the law.

 

·First I can’t understand totally what the speaker was talking about, but I know that his topic is about being a criminal in the society.  Different kind of being a lawyer and what they are doing in the court. In the dialogue that they presented, I learned that the defendant must be respectful to the higher person in the court like the judge.   The defendant must have a good attitude to them and you must give your information to them with good manners and attitude.

 

·I learned my rights and I learned what to do in certain situations

 

·I learned about the government and how the police works and also the rights that youths have that they can use during or being arrested or even being questioned.  I also learned the sentencing terminology and how the courthouse works.  It was a good experience to learn about the justice system. The lawyer taught me that for one, I learned some new laws that I didn’t know.  

 

FINANCE & SAVINGS

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

OCTOBER 28, 2011

 

·        I liked how the meeting went because it made me think about what I wanna be later on in life.

 

·        There are always opportunities for everyone. There are no dead ends for people who expand their minds and perspectives. It’s all about making the right decisions and keeping your eyes open. A smart move would be one in the business. Business and finance are future of the world. Save your money and be smart.

 

·        I thought the presentation was interesting about saving and budgeting. It made me think and focus about money making and start saving big. Using my head and independently working towards my future.

 

·        I think today’s topic was very taught, I felt the guest speakers did a good job doing what they did I learned a lot from what they said. They also taught me that investing is important for your future and in the long run.

 

·        It was nice for my first day. I wouldn’t mind coming again. I really took in what the speakers saying about the drugs and what not. Money isn’t everything in life. And make sure when you get the money to get it the right way.

 

·        Saving money forget what you’ve done in your past and live on what you are doing now.

 

·        I think the guest give us idea how to live life better. Doing or making your life have strategy. Saving money forget what you’ve done in the past and live a new life on what you are doing now. I learned in this topic is make your life new and make your life in a good pathway. I like what the 2 guest share with us. They gave me idea how to manage my own life.

 

·        I think it was very good and helpful but I disagree with the people whos saying there is no money or no life in Canada, but if they sit and think about it they will know their life its better than other in different countries, and in Canada there is a free education they can learn and be better people and get a job and make money.

 

·        I liked how we kinda had a free discussion, and everyone could just speak what was on their mind.

 

·        The topic was very interesting. It was about financing your money because when you get older the money will be worth less than how much it is worth now. This made me think about when I get older. At a young coming here for my first time made me feel good for coming here, because now I know that when I get older money wouldn’t be worth as much, and that I should start saving money now.

 

·        Saving money in life can make a huge difference. Have a mind set goal for the future. Think about your last five years and look at how much money you wasted and think about how much money you could have saved. In life you can do anything you set your mind to.

 

·        Tonight we talked about money and how we spend it. We also talked about the way we live and plan to live later on in life.

 

·        Today we learned that you have to save your money, and think about what I want to do in the future.

 

·        I learned that we should take any opportunity that comes our way because you never know when it will dramatically benefit you. Saving money from part time jobs and investing it will help you when you need the financial support.

 

 

 

·        - Start saving money

-Think about the future

-And watch for the finance

-Start watching the future

-I think that guy living smart doing what he does

 

 

THANKSGIVING REFLECTION

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

7 October 2011

 

·        I like the fat batty girl Chantel

 

·        I really like the outreach committee because it has helped in touch situations. I like the program because it’s great for the youth. I enjoyed the conference and it was not boring.

 

·        I enjoy the activities.

 

·        To start off with at the R.C.O thanksgiving dinner. They present reflection poems about each member’s personal thoughts on what to be thankful for. Next we introduce ourselves and our thoughts about what more giving thanks for this holiday. Which I thought was nice.

 

·        I think it went well and was all right.

 

·        Spoke loud and clear. The activities we did were fun as well.

 

·        I think that the reach out program is a great bonding experience. It is great for learning new things. Reachout is also a very fun program to go too.

 

·        I enjoyed the experience because I met and got to know people in the group. It was an enjoyable time I would do again.

 

·        I had an enjoyable time here. I wouldn’t mind doing it again.

 

·        I am thankful for my supportive friends and family. They mean the world to me and I can’t imagine getting through anything without them. I am also thankful for my boyfriend who has helped me through a recent rough time in my life. He has been there for me when no one else was. Lastly I am thankful to have God in my life. He keeps me safe and makes sure I live a happy life.

 

·        It was good there was some positive energy.

 

·        I’m open mind and very determine.

 

·        I have enjoyed the activities that were organized by the coop students at Sheridan. It gives us the time to share with the individual stuff about us and most of all getting the opportunity to spend part of this thanksgiving weekend.

 

·        Most of the social workers are very nice and they should keep up the good work.

 

·        The meeting was good still and they should keep up the good work.

 

·        Everything was good I don’t have any complaints.   

STEALING

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

17 June 2011

 

·        “Basically stealing is bad. Unless it’s found on the ground, and no one is around and you take something, it is considered stealing.”

 

·        “Going into the store and picking something out and putting it in your pocket and walking out, is called stealing, even if you buy something and walk out with something else that you haven’t purchased.”

 

·        “I find the topic very interesting and had a great day.”

 

·        “Stealing results in satisfying their peers (some people). Financial problems in the family may cause teens to steal. Teens may steal clothes/accessories to follow the latest trends. Stealing at a young age may progress to major theft when they’re older (i.e: cars, computers, large quantities of money.”

 

·        “It was good and I learnt a lot today about stealing. Stealing is wrong. You guys did a great job and I wish you all the best.”

 

·        “It was good. Stealing is not right. Everything was good I had a good night. I’m going to come back next week because of these wonderful people.”

 

·        “Today was good because it was interesting and made me laugh. I also think it’s made me think about what would happen if you do it and you get caught.”

 

·        “Stealing is a bad thing to do and a bad habit. If you steal you get in trouble.”

 

·        “It was very good. I have learnt that stealing is wrong and most people steal because they have been peer pressured.”

 

·        “I learned that you can get blame for stealing in a lot for different reason. Some people have problems in the brain that makes them steal everything that they see. I know that you can go to jail by stealing anything and facing charges. People steal to make money off the things they steal.”

 

·        “I learned that stealing is someone’s property. You have to have permission before taking someone’s stuff. A lot of teens steal because of peer pressure or they can’t afford to pay for what they need or want. However, there are consequences of stealing. You can get charged or sent to jail for your actions. The symptoms of stealing include the powerful urge to steal items not for personal gain, but just for fun. There are many different types of stealing; burglary, larceny, robbery, looting, shoplifting and pick-pocketing. Sometime stealing is a habit for teens but it is not a good habit, and you should know to control yourself. Stealing is not right.”

 

 

STEALING REFLECTIONS

·        I had a bad experience in my past, I have been stealing, and also robbing people for three years.  I go to the ultimate extreme and it is a constant habit.  I would go in and out of stores in the mall and come out with a lot of clothes, jewellery, and other stuff.  I like to satisfy myself with materialistic things.  Then I had a thought of stealing at LCBO. OMG! I raided all the stores in Mississauga.  I was getting three to four bottles in each store.  To the point I thought I was a professional.  I went to the same LCBO by square one, and I got booked taking a Hennessy Bottle by an undercover cop/security.  The officer said, “Put that fucking backing right now.”  I put it back and left the store with no arrests.  Thank GOD!
·        Reflection is good because when you like do it, you learn like better things from that reflection you know? Like when you do a reflection you always gotta do something because when you do it, it’s good still, and we learn from our experiences like when we did something bad we always reflect on like what we were doing good you know? So then I said yo I should have not stole that ipad from that guy you know? Because when I did that now, and reflect on it and know like that’s what it means.
·        I can apply this awareness by telling other people what I’ve learned about today.
·        I feel no way because I understand that the girl shouldn’t be treated that way.  All the workers are good what they’re doing and trying to tell me what trouble is all about.
·        Robbery and stealing is bad actually.  That’s not good for us doing that whenever you’re getting in a poor situation in your life.  We must not try that habit to do.  When we do this we’re getting in trouble.  We have been in Jail and we can have a bad record in our society.
·        Stealing is a bad habit and the person get use to it for all his life.  In my opinion people doing this because of having a hard life, that lets them facing the stealing or inability to find a job, but the stealing it’s not the reason that solve there problems.
·        I feel nothing towards this topic it’s pretty straight forward.  It just opened my understanding better towards robbery and theft. I can apply what I learnt to my friends by telling them what consequences there are for doing those actions, and becoming careful of people I hang out with.  
Things you can improve; are better organization, moving space, cause were all so crowded up, and last we should watch better videos that are related to this topic.
·        We learned about stealing and today I didn’t really learn nothing I didn’t know before.  So it doesn’t really make me feel different.
·        Being robbed sucks, you never know when it’s going to happen.  One moment you’re on the pay phone, and the next you have to big mans holding you against the wall, knife-throat going through your pockets, taking your $50.00 and other items, then the next moment your on the ground getting curbed stomped.  It’s ironic how you rip people off then get screwed over.  Karma.
·        I don’t really have anything to say. I don’t like the police officer, they don’t have respect for the youth sometimes and I just dislike them.
·        In any opinion the thief or the person who is planning or thinking to rob someone should think I they got robbed or got stolen.

 

 

 

 ABORTION

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

8 April 2011

· Today was a good day I stayed home and chilled, I was late because the bus was late 

 · The reason why I was late because I was with my cousin helping him with something and buses took long.

 

 ·Next time I need to be here by 7. I was late because I live in malton and had to watch my nephew.  

 

·  Tonight was informative though to be honest I don't think I learnt anything I didn't know before. Although this is a good way to get community service hours completed. 

 

· I learned many things today. Things such as the effects of abortion, risks ect... I also think everyone should be educated on these things to prevent it from happening like in developing countries. People there should be more educated about abortion and also teen should be careful while intercourse or not even have intercourse at this age.  

 

· Today’s presentation was really informative. I got to learn about a lot of things. I’ve never heard about spontaneous abortion before. The presentation also helped me understand about the different religion views of abortion and how a lot of people get abortion even though its bad sometimes but it’s their only choice.  Abortion is a very important topic. A lot of people might be against it but some people might think it’s ok to have abortion. 

 

· Abortions should definitely be a well voiced issue. Before coming to this session I was unsure about my opinions, but now that I have had the chance to weigh the pros and cons and learn a little but more about what abortion is, I can say that I am now ok with the concept of abortion. I believe that everyone has a right to make this decision for themselves.

 

· I think that abortion is still bad thing to do. But if there is a medical problem I can understand, but other than that it is bad and its a sin. I think the presentation was helpful and I learned a lot today like spontaneous abortion because I never knew what it was.

 

·PI feel that presentation put a positive effect on the people in the class because it gave us an opportunity tosee how abortion has a positive and negative effect on woman. I like the fact that the presenters went into detail and explained exactly what the two types of abortion are.

 

·  I feel that today was pretty educational. I learned something new like the two different types of abortion (spontaneous and induced). Today was really fun and I will be back for sure. 

 

· I think abortion is still a bad thing to do/ but if there is a medical problem I can understand.

 

·        Live previously done debates on pregnancy and abortion, but this session was fun because people had some pretty outrageous answers to “How many time can you get an abortion?”  The discussions are done in a way that is easy and educational, making me more eager to come to more sessions. 

 

 

                                                 LEGAL SYSTEM 

12 March 2011

 

·          The slide show was good but I already learned about it so I didn’t take in anything new

 

·          Today’s presentation made me think about how that they still need to work on making the justice system better

 

·          The presentation was good it talked about a lot of real situation and people that didn’t know about the justice system or their rights they can learn about it. I also learned some new things at this presentation. The information is good to people that have been charged and people who haven’t been charged and don’t want to

 

·          This session was kind of dull and quiet. I heard before that the discussions and presentations were live and fun. Today I think if there were more people it would be more fun. I also heard things I didn’t know about the court system. Others already knew from law class. I want the discussion questions to be more different were similar to

 

·          Today was a great forum. I learned a lot about the legal system. Things I didn’t know a lot about I learned today. I learned about the different rights of the youths and how the justice system can be fair and unfair. But overall this forum was informational and educational

 

·          Learning about the judicial system and the types of courts, regulations, laws were informing. Some things I didn’t know about and others I was already aware about. Things such as being not allowed out at certain times are things I found new and interesting. Things such as jaywalking I found interesting because everyone does it. The pizza was good

 

·          The second part of today’s meeting was interesting. I learned a lot of new things (i.e. laws, justice to youth & adults etc.). These were pretty interesting topic to know and discuss. It is a good way to spread awareness and take feedback of what today’s youth know. Thank you for having us here today, I had fun

 

·          I learned a lot of things about the justice system and new terms. I already know some of it but it’s good that I got to refresh my memory

 

   

                                                      BLACKOLOGY

         26 February 2011

 

·     This presentation taught me a lot. There were many people mentioned who I had heard of before but I never knew exactly what they had done to become known. This presentation taught what they did and showed me big events in black people getting their freedom.

 

·     Today was a very useful day, I have got different outlooks on different people and it was nice because I met people from other races. I would come to more of these. The people are very nice and I got a nice welcoming when I came in.

 

·       The event was educational, but I also did have fun. I learned about influential people and why they are important.

 

·       I learned a lot about things that I haven’t known before and more than I already do. I learned that people aren't supposed to control what we want to do; it’s our own decision, because it is our own lives that we want to live. What we do shouldn't matter as long as it’s our decision and it’s what we want to be doing.

 

·    My law teacher always stressed the importance of learning about black history. He always questioned why the school did not offer a course on it. What was stated earlier in the presentation was right. It’s important for everyone to learn about this topic. Civil rights is something that we all should be concerned about. Being a part of society means anything that happens to it will affect us somehow. We should fight for the rights of humanity and not just fight for ourselves.

 

·     The power point presentation was very interesting and informative. I really like the play and bongos. I really liked the bongos because I have an interest in playing drums. I also liked the dance the three girls did. Yafet’s speech was inspiring because my parents keep telling me to be something in the medical field but I want to pursue my own goals, even if I don’t know what they are yet.

·    I thought that the power point was very inform active, and gave me an abundance of knowledge about black history. I also thought that the musical and dramatic performances were very interesting and creative. The dramatic performance was a personal favourite, as well as the bongo performance. Yefet's speech was also very moving, and made me think about my education overall. This was a very enriching experience.

 

·   Today was a good experience. Similar to what I learned a few weeks ago. But today was more based on, future decisions, and mainly discussions about who we are. The history of the African, American background. And the changes we can pursue. The lesson we've learned. Standing up for ourselves. Don’t judge people based on their colour.

 

·   Gained knowledge, learned about stuff I didn't know, raised my awareness, level made me realise the importance of not necessarily racism but discrimination and stuff. It was fun, refreshing and amazing.

 

·    I felt that I learned more about the liberation and freedom of the black society. I learned that Martin Luther King was not the most requested public speaker.
 
·    I enjoyed the R.I.S.E presentation and the drums. I also learned about the different leaders and what education really means.
 
·   Today was informational, I learned new stuff and stuff I already knew. The performance was interesting and the speakers were great. I leaned that education is very important and that it should be a priority.

 

·   Today I learned many new things I never learned before. The speakers were very inspiring and helped me want to push harder to achieve my goals. I learned that making mistakes are great to learn from. I learned when you are being put down you have to be strong and preserve to fulfil your purpose in life.
 
·   In today’s presentation I learned many things about black history and the importance of it. I thought the plays shown were very well done because it displayed good talent about these black women. Compared to last time, there were many presentations and a lot of information about black history and our world. Also when Yafet spoke to us he really taught us and me the important things in life. He inspired me to fulfill my goals and dreams and to be successful in life. 
 
·  In three years I see myself in university taking classes that will better my understanding of life and help me with my future career.
 
· Today I learned the importance of learning about black history and that most people do not learn about it, but rather are trained to learn about what other people want to teach them.  I also learned about the hardships black people had to face in order to get to where they are. You need to learn where you came from to know where you are going.
 
· I learned a lot about black history today. I learned about the hardships and the struggles that black people have gone through to get their freedom. It is important for us to learn about black history so we can realise and understand what black people have gone through to get to where they are today.

 

·  Today I learned a lot about Black people, Slavery, and Black History! I think it's important to learn about these things because people should know what other people (black people) have been through to get to where they are "you need to know where you come from to know where your going."

·   I learned that Jesus was Black; History is currently being disrespected; Corruption plays a huge role in our society; Black history did not just take place in Africa; History played a role.
 
 
·   Today I learned a lot of new things that I can apply to my life and use it in a good way. I learned about a lot about the history of black people and how their race has really affected our world in a positive way. Yafet explained to us the history of the Egyptians and how certain philosophies claimed that the Egyptians were black people. We learned about all the famous black emperors and Pharaohs that made a great contribution to where they helped people. Also we learned about slavery and how Abraham Lincoln was half black and that 6 U.S. Presidents were black before Barack Obama.
 
·         Today we learned a lot about black history and normal history we were told that we learned like 5000 years of information we also heard some guy playing the bongo or drums it sounded pretty wicked over all I'm happy my hours are completed.
 
·        He said Egypt travel story. I got to know about the Egypt Culture. It was very interesting. I also want to go there. He said about black people. In their place didn’t development. So a few people did ignore them. It is false. They are same person. We have to treat equally. I got to know about great black people. They are great person every part. The big country U.S.A.’s president is also black people. I was surprised but they can do it. This lecture gave a lot of information and knowledge to me and I had a lot of thinking thanks to this lecture.
 
·        It’s not only that I learned about black society but we learned about the history that was over  5000 years ago. We ran through about the history that we could never learn in high school. I’ve gained knowledge about the slavery, racism between black and white people. The lecture that was given was not just a regular boring history like in school but it was a different history than the regular ones.
 
·        Today was a great experience, the history of not only the black nation, but world wide, has taught me importance of teaching ourselves the real truth of history, and the comparisons of what has been passed down generations to generations, how it was thousands and thousands of years ago, compared to now. Today showed me how history has been taught in our schools, the limiting of knowledge our teachers teach us at school, and not just teaching us the full truth. It has given me a perspective of how we think of the true history. Has taught me about the Egyptians, the visual on the over head. Us learning about the honesty and our perspective, and what we believed then and now.
 
·        Today was a very interesting day for me because I learned a lot of new things. I think that the guest speaker that was brought today was amazing in explaining and teaching us the history of black people. Today I learned many things that I didn't know before. I think that the schools in this community don’t teach us the proper history. I think that you guys should hold more forums to tell people about black people. I have noticed that black people are portrayed to us as uneducated bad people where as if they weren’t here today neither would we be.
 
·        I really enjoyed the presentation today, it was very insightful. Especially since I am an African I was a bit ashamed of myself, due to the lack of knowledge about black history. I think that in order for students to learn more about black history it needs to be taught more in schools. I really enjoyed Yafet’s presentation; he did an amazing job covering all the material in such a short period of time. He was energetic and his presentation wasn’t boring. I like the way he incorporated his own life into the presentation. It showed his passion about what he was talking about. I loved the way he explained his topics. I learned a lot, which was surprised because I usually get bored easily. I learned a lot about the history of Egypt and about the society change/hides certain things in order to make it sociably acceptable.
 
·         Today’s presentation was informational. I learned things that I didn’t know such as, Obama is not the first black president and the word Egypt in another language is known as burnt faces. Also, the speaker which spoke about these things about black history is a very inspirational guy he taught me a lot of things which I didn’t know. I think Yafet should go around to all different schools and share his information about black history because not a lot of black people know a lot about their history and culture. In schools students are taught about American and Canadian history and not about the history of blacks.
 
·        What I learned in this presentation is that black have been around for a long time and that black people have made it to be something successful.
 
·        Today’s experience was refreshing and came as news to me. Even though I have a basic overview of today’s topic. From learning at school. But as a result of me coming here I gained so much knowledge and understanding of not only the history of “black” people which could be traced to over 5000 years ago if not more; for example I never even has the idea that Jesus could be Black!! There is much to know yet, and I hope to learn more in the next meeting.
 
·        Today I learned a lot of history. I got to learn about back history. Firstly, I learned about the Underground Rail road. Secondly, I got to learn about history in Africa. I learned many stuff today that I've never knew before. I enjoyed it because it is a very exhilarating subject and hearing new things is also cool.
 
·        I enjoyed this forum today. I learned about the African drums, and I also learned that Barack Obama was not the first president. It was very exciting learning that these “Bongos” are made out of goat-skin.
 
·        Although I came late but in respect to the part I heard I don’t think that it is fair the way they changed the whole story in regard to the catholic belief that Madonna and Jesus was Black, and we hear and see on the media that they are white.
 
·        I think that today I have learned a lot about history and about black history that I did not know before. I felt that what I learned was very insightful and an eye opener about fact and fiction about how the world and culture came about. I learned that much has been spawned from Africa, and about the Mien pyramids and Egyptians. I also enjoyed the drums. Overall today helped me learn more about my culture and myself.

 

·        Today was a very educational day for me. I learned a lot of new things like that President Obama was actually not the first black or half black President of the United States. I learned a lot of ancient civilizations adopted a lot of customs from them. I was educated on the fact that there were black Pharaoh and Kings and even places like Nome. I learned that Alexander the great burned down cities in Egypt and had one named after him. I learned that the pyramids are built stone that had been brought from miles and miles away. Overall this was a great experience that I can leave being proud of attending and leave with new information.
 
·        Today was an eye opening experience for me. I go to St. Edmund Campion that has an African American Course that goes in depth about black history. The guest speaker was great he taught me a lot about the Pharaohs and which president has black in them. I knew that Obama wasn't the first black president but I never knew he was the 5^th/6^th. I wonder why they made it a big deal then.
 
·        Today I got to learn about black history. It was a very enlightening experience. First there was a slide show presentation and speech by Yafet. He told us about how a lot of things originate from Africa. For example, he told us how one of the first popes in Rome was Black. He also told us about how people don’t want to accept things are black. For example there are these head statues that have braids in the back but people say it is jaguars scratching at it to make a braid design. Overall I had a good experience and we should all appreciate black history more.

 

 

MY RELFECTION- YOUTH VIOLENCE VIDEO

 

·        My reflection of the video was I thought it was sad because I think no matter the situation people should not end up killed as a consequence. They were also very young which is devastating
 
·        The video is very sad; young people are dying over dumb things, and it’s disappointing to see what the world is coming too. There's too many young people who haven’t gotten to live life yet, getting life cut short.
 
·        sad, violence, young people shot or stabbed, gangs
 
·        Its sad to have to see all these people lose their lives over disputes that led to gang affiliated violence, these love ones should never have to be missed in such ways. The streets are very dangerous, people should be able to leave their house without worrying about being gunned down, or brutally assaulted. Parents should not have to worry about.

·        Many young people are dying and it’s mostly though gun violence. This is showing me that there is a lot of black on black crime and something needs to be done to help reduce this. Watching this PowerPoint make me really think about the value of mine and others lives around me and the little things you do or don’t do can really have a major impact on others. Watching this I also realized that you don’t know who can be here today and gone tomorrow, with that being said you should really watch what you say to people because you don’t know what they’re going through. I’m glad to still be living, and its my choice to make this right decisions.

 
·        It was very sad to see youth people being either stabbed or shot. Sad, death, violence, gangs, guns, drugs, money
 
·        Its hard because a lot of these kids I knew and grew up with so knowing that there not here is bad also lost my grandma due to gun violence. Coming to Angela’s reach out program is very helpful I’ve been attending this program since June and it has helped me change for the better. And I put my past aside and look forward to my future success. Thanks to Angela
 
·        Nothing good is coming out from killing one another when we should be helping and peaceful with each other. But its hard for people who lives in a broken environment. So we just have to pull together and be strong with each other.
 
·        After watching this slide show on the people that had lost their lives through violence, it is very heart breaking and painful. To see someone dear to you or close to you that lost their life through violence is sorrowful. I am a type of person that doesn’t like violence because it causes death and harm to people. Some people die through violence by accident, being in a place at the wrong time. Even so people join gangs and commit violence depending on their childhood growing up. For example if boy is raised in a household with a big exposure to violence it is likely for the person to violent.
 
·        I realized that it takes nothing for someone’s life to be taken away. It’s also sad to see that there were children that were younger than me shot and killed. It’s sad to think that these children and adults did not get to live their full life. I think that violence has to stop because too many people that deserve to be living are not.

 

·        It is sad to see and know that there are so many young and innocent people that are being killed for no reason. I do not understand why people believe that they have the right to decide when a person should die. I personally think that it's sad and digusting that whenever a conflict arises people automatically think of violence to find a solution. The world that we live in is a sad place, each and everyday innocent people are being killed for ignorant reasons. If people would think before they act especially in these times, I think it would be a better place.

 

 

 

 

 A WINTERS TALE MOVIE

FREESTYLE FRIDAY MEETING

25 February 2011

 

·       The movie was about the life, the hood.
·       My uncle has schizophrenia and has got into trouble just like the guy in the movie has schizophrenia and he has a weapon.
·       My reflection about this movie is things happen for a reason people die and get shot because there not ready for the game and watch who you chill with because everybody has enemies in the world. Always watch your back and keep kids on their work, don’t bring young youth in gang violence if there not ready to handle what’s out in the streets.
·       The movie was alright. I felt it could of had more interesting scenes. It had a good story line but usually each man pushes his own paper instead of hustling for a next man. They should of had better actors and more money involved.
·       I think the movie is a good lesson to today’s youth especially today’s black youth it has a good moral to the story and many of the things seen in the movie can relate to today’s youth, so because many of today’s black youth can relate to things in the movie. I feel it draws us in a little bit more and keeps us interested. Overall this was a good movie.
·       Peer pressure has been around for a long time and has not always been positive. I think that the movie shows a good perspective of bad pressure. A guy that had potential and a chance to do something with his life because of the people around that loved and cared about him decides to chase money and sell crack because his friends told him to. What kind of friend throws you into the fire like that? It also shows how people have the tendency to be very fake towards anybody. I liked the movie it had a great message.
·       I thought the movie was a good way to show the black community. It shows everyday conflict like death, which black people are stereotyped for killing each other.
·       This movie taught me not to talk to people with schizophrenia.
·        This movie was to show you that you need to watch the people you chill with and don’t let your youth outside after 9.
·       I learned a lot about black history today. I learned about the hardships and the struggles that black people have gone through to get their freedom. It is important for us to learn about black history so we can realise and understand what black people have gone through to get to where they are today.
·       Today I learned the importance of learning about black history and that most people do not learn about it. I also learned about the hardships black people had to face in order to get to where they are. You need to learn where you came from to know where you are going.
·       I think that this was a good movie because it relates to somewhat, things that are happening today. Because of another person’s irresponsible actions it caused a little innocent boy to get shot right to his head. In the movie they had a group called Black Men, maybe if the coloured people on this earth could get along better than how they do the world would most likely be a better place. I’m not sure how the rest of the movie continues, but hopefully they find out who killed the innocent little boy and he gets a reasonable punishment for all the pain that he caused. Hopefully most of the black men in that community get along better than how they do, maybe Dx will become somewhat successful if he makes the right choices.
·       I think the movie was alright and it shows you about what happens to other black people in different hoods. It also teaches you to stay out of trouble.
·       I feel like this movie teaches you about life and it shows you can be easily influenced.
·       I think the movie is showing us on how to live and not to bully people and that the gang life is not good for us. Also shows us how to communicate with others.
·       I think the movie was showing us to look out for friends.
·       The movie, “A winter Tale” shows us a perspective that is not often seen or heard. There is poverty, struggle, hardships and deaths although in the suburbs or poorer areas, these things remain ignored. In this movie, we see that there are people who are struggling to live, to provide for a family, this leads them to make decisions that are no good for them, and they then fall into a wrong crowd, and someone gets hurt. In this movie, someone got shot and a little boy lost his life. By listening to someone else, doing thinks that you know aren’t right, and following the wrong crowd, you are only brining yourself down. When one person gets hurt, it’s like a wave it goes on like a ripple effect and hurts your family and friends also. The message that I got from this movie is that you should do what you think is right and think about others around you as well.

 

 

MY REFLECTION

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

 

·       I thought the presentation was educational, good, interesting. I learned about how other schools work.

·       I think today was very informational and I’m going to come back.

·       I think today was entertaining because it was based on an issue that I feel is a problem in our world.

·       I learned that you need to speak up to the higher power. I thought it was educational on how to deal with certain situations life throws at you.

·       I want to help with the art exhibition so I can do the thrust beauty intelligence.

LOSS OF SIGHT/BLINDNESS

GUEST SPEAKER FROM CNIB

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

 

 

·        That blind people still have feeling when they can’t see because they still are humans not aliens.

 

·        I think this topic is important because taking care of your vision is critical in life. I recently got into a car wreck in a Burger King drive thru. I have retinal detachment in my left eye. There is a bolt in my eye. It was put in during surgery in 1996. Shades have helped with glare and I don’t do a lot of heavy lifting. I didn’t know diabetics can lose vision easier than other people. The seminar taught me to take better care or yourself.

 

·        Reading this topic makes me feel sad, reason being I think about what if I was a person who was lost of sight. I can now apply this new awareness to be more careful in my everyday life.

 

·        I feel like people aren’t aware enough about vision loss and everybody should take action to ensure that it won’t happen to themselves or their loved ones. From the knowledge that I gained today, I will definitely go home and educate my family about this get eyes checked.

 

·        I feel sympathetic towards victims of sight loss because they can’t experience things as others. After finding out how much blindness effects so many people I’m going to make sure my family and friends are more aware of this topic.

 

·        I have learned that when going blind it doesn’t mean you don’t have all your senses. They learn how to do stuff without their sight. I really enjoyed listening and learning on how people have to live when their blind. It was really enjoying and give me knowledge to help someone where they need it.

 

·        I thought the topic was interesting because it show me be careful your blind you are not helpless.

 

·        I think it sad to blind and if it was me I know that I would do I feel sorry for me.

 

·        I learned that being blind is hard but you can get threw with life if you try.

 

·         I feel really heartbroken for her b/c she has been through a lot in her life and having the blindness isn’t easier. But I feel that she strong enough to go through life as if she wasn’t blind.

 

·        I get to appreciate and understand how blind people view the world. They are people to and need the same amount of affection as me.

 

·        I feel bad because knowing somebody is blind is tragic, on top of that they never get to see again. I’ve learned that blind people can still get around with the techniques they have and make up.

 

·          

EDUCATION

 10 FEBUARY 2010

 

·        I would expect the board education to change to way my School Looks the way the teachers always expect that the black students are the one’s Responsible So that I would be more.

 

·        Why isn’t black history taught in the curriculum. Why isn’t it just part of history.

 

·        How could I become a better person? I think that it would better if they weren’t so judgemental towards black youth. I think that the people of the board of education should.

 

·        What can be done to make the teachers more understanding of me as a student. Why don’t teachers get in trouble when they are in wrong. Why aren’t some teachers more equip at teaching. Why isn’t their more black teachers to support us black youth and encourage us.