Empowering Youth
What message would YOU give to families of transitioning youth?
Who says you can’t go back?
Last Saturday, I was the keynote speaker at the Baltimore County Transition Expo in Timonium. It’s been 20 years since their last Transition Expo, and I was probably there. Deja vu!
It felt like coming home to reunite with Joyce Serio, now Coordinator of Transition Services, Katie Schmidt, one of my favorite graduate students, now a Transition Facilitator, and Mary Scott, who will absolutely never retire! It was almost like time stood still.
I was impressed with the size of the transition team. We did it all with a staff of ten when I was on the team. How many are in this picture?
They have expanded programs and services to support transitioning youth. They also did an amazing job of recruiting agencies, organizations, and service providers to set up tables and have personal conversations with the families who attended. Congrats to everyone who made the event a success!
The best part for me was my individual conversations with people who shared about their challenges and struggles.
Teachers, rehab counselors, and transition facilitators were passionate about improving students’ post-school outcomes. Parents were looking for direction – who should they turn to? who can help them? who would listen? Students (and I talked to some in middle school, some in high school, and one in college) want to know what they should do NOW that will make a difference in their future. They were all looking for hope!
My message was simple. More than half of a student’s success is related to his mindset. I told stories of remarkable individuals who made up their mind to pursue their dreams. Professionals can work their hardest; and families can do everything right. But, ultimately, the students who make it are the ones who have the most determination. So my message was that the adults’ main job is to provide an encouraging support network to awaken that ownership – grit – growth mindset in the student. Once he decides he WILL figure out a way, then we can step up and provide strategies, resources, and guidance.
I need your help. I am redesigning my consulting services. What are YOUR special education issues?
What would help YOUR situation?
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