About Me

Greetings, my name is T.J and I am a Youth Development Major at Rhode Island College. I have been working with youth for six years in various settings such as: childcare, foster agency, service learning programs, after school, and summer camps.Being able to connect with youth, to be a part of their life, to witness their growth and unique identities continues my commitment in Youth Development. My experiences with youth has also exposed me to the adversities that a lot of our children and adolescents living in disadvantage neighborhoods face. Working with youth is rewarding all on its own,  but it is the empowerment of youth that sparks my passions for studying Youth Development.

This blog is titled  after the Beloved Community, which is inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. I was first introduced to the Beloved Community from my two years serving in an Americorps program called City Year New York, a program that serves youths in under served schools.

Here are two links on the Beloved Community

 http://www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy

http://www.wearethebelovedcommunity.org/bcquotes.html

This is one from a City Year perspective:  http://cityyearnh.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/dr-kings-legacy-our-own-beloved-community/


The Beloved Community integrates social justice, compassion, and community. Beloved Community is essential for youth living with adversity; essential for youth to find peace, justice, and personal well-being into the a eventual adulthood. The Beloved Community is a reason why I choose to serve youth.