2014 Pep Talk from Josh Shipp

Do you have a Mentor?

I recently came across a study conducted by Child Trends that had some nice findings on the role and significance of mentors in the lives of young people. The summary of the study is below:

"Child Trends conducted a synthesis of experimental evaluations of 19 mentoring programs for children and youth, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, to determine how frequently these programs work to improve such outcomes as education, mental health, peer and parent relationships, and behavior problems, and what lessons can be learned to improve outcomes. Mentoring “is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee”. While parents fill this role for most children, some children find themselves without such a relationship. In fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of youth do not have caring adults in their lives—representing 8.5 million youth. Even children who have a positive caring relationship with an adult can benefit from additional positive relationships."

Elsewhere it stated: "Research finds that positive relationships are important for children and youth. Based on the findings of this synthesis, a variety of approaches that incorporate mentoring can be effective."

Check out this video from Josh Shipp, a former foster youth that talks about the role of mentors in his life and the young people he works with.

Local Teen Goes to College

Here is an article printed recently that profiles a local high school student that grew up in and out of care. I realize her story is similar to yours in many ways. I found her story encouraging in that she was able to overcome long odds and difficult situations to graduate high school and make plans for college. I realize that you have done the same thing. You have overcome so much, you have beaten the odds. Now, do something remarkable, graduate college. I am proud of you.

Alex Chivescu

I recently came across the story of Alex Chivescu. He is a remarkable young man and a foster kid. He spent time in care due to an injury his mother received from a car accident. His dad was never in the picture. After being in care for a few years, he was going to have to leave his school district, so instead of transferring schools again, he recruited his own foster parents. He is now attending college at Harvard. You can read his story here and here. They made a movie about his life that you can learn about here.

Destination Graduation Blog

Check out this cool post from a alumni of foster care attending classes at a community college in the state. Really great read and I hope that it encourages you to stick with your educational goals. Check it out here.

Josh Shipp and his TV Show

I just found an article about Josh Shipp, a former foster youth and an entrepreneur who has started his own TV show. It is called Jump Shipp and it focuses on the career choices that young people make. It aims to try and help people follow their career dream instead of staying in a unfulfilling job. In the article he talks about his experience in foster care and how it helped him desire to help others. From the article:

"I lived in twelve different foster homes before I was 14 years old. And growing up in the foster care system, I was bullied, suicidal, rebellious, and although I didn’t realize it at the time, I was completely lost. Until I met the Weidenmaier’s. And things started to change, because they saw something good in me I couldn’t see in myself. They not only said they said they wouldn’t give up on me; they backed it up with their actions – every time. The difference was amazing.

Consequently, I really believe EVERY kid is just one caring adult away from being a success story. So growing up with this background led me into exploring the field of behavioral change. And one thing that led me too, I believe, is that the things that hurt you the most are the same things that can help you the most, and that you can eventually use to help others. So after I worked through my issues, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others work through their mental barriers and live the lives they want. I’m fascinated by the psychological barriers that explain the difference between what we SAY (“Of course I want to pursue my dream job!”) and what we DO (“I’ll do it later…I’m not qualified…etc…”)"

You can check out the video preview here.

Steve Jobs

With the recent passing of Steve Jobs it seems right to post this video. In it, he offers some sage advice and talks about his experience of being adopted. He left a huge impact on the world through innovation and creativity. I hope it challenges you and helps you to aim for your best while you are here at CPTC.

Being an Advocate

This is a link to a cool story I listened to a while ago. It follows the story of a foster youth named Anthony Pico who, while in high school has done a great job becoming an advocate for youth in his state. Along the way we learn that while he excels in this role he is neglecting his schooling. I think it is an interesting story to think about and perhaps use to make sure your priorities and goals are in order. It is great to have things that we can get excited about and excel in, but equally important is completing your education. Completing your degree can open up opportunities for you. It can change your family tree.

More Sucess Stories

Here is another link of alumni of care who have done something big in the world. What will you do...

What is Success?

I think it is found in this article about Tony Shellman. A former foster youth who has gone on to become a fashion designer. One of the things that struck me was Tony's ability to put his past behind him and to use it to push him towards his future goals. He could have been stuck in a place of despair, doubt, and negativity, but instead he climbed out of those things with a better outlook and positivity and reaching for goals. I think these are lessons that all can learn from. Enjoy!

Meet Me Half Way

Have you heard about "Meet Me Half Way"? It is the idea and current mission of Jimmy Wayne, famous country singer and former foster youth. At the beginning of this year he started walking from Nashville TN to Phoenix AZ to raise awareness about homelessness among young people, in particular those in the foster care system. Having been in the foster care system himself, he experienced first hand what it was like to be homeless as a teen. He is walking almost 1700 miles across the country to bring attention to the needs of teenagers in foster youth. This is a pretty powerful act and I wonder what it will inspire you to do? Check out the information on his site called Meet Me Half Way, or check out the Project Meet Me Half Way which also has great information about the project.

New Club Resource

You may have heard about this book called The Blind Side, or the movie by the same name. It is out in the theaters right now. I just saw the movie and was really moved by it so I got the book. I read it in a week and a half, which for me is pretty fast! The movie and book focus on the life of Michael Oher. He is a young man who grew up in the rough part of Memphis, and spent time in and out of foster care. The story focuses on his development as a football player and his process of being adopted by a family in Memphis. As he goes through high school we see him getting stronger in school, and we watch him make plans for college. He eventually makes his way into the NFL and is now playing for the Ravens in Baltimore. You can read his story here if you wanted to get a quick version of it. I thought that his story might encourage you as you work toward your own education.

An interesting thing happened as I read through the story of Michael Oher - I thought it was a story that each of you should read too. This sparked an idea, I thought that there were other stories that could really challenge, inspire and help you grow. As I thought about it, it became clear that we should start a "Lending Library" for our club. I have been able to acquire some text books and personal development books that you can check out from me through the library. Here is the list of what we have so far. If you have any ideas of books that we should add please let me know.

• The Blind Side (Story of Michael Oher)
• The Total Money Makeover (Money and Budgeting)
• Getting Solid (Transitioning from Foster Care)
• Vital Friends (Important Friends to have)
• How Full is Your Bucket? (Power of Encouragement)
• QBQ (Personal Accountability)
• Flux (Stories from Foster Care Alumni)
• On Their Own (Stories from transitioning out of foster care)
• Foster Care 411 (Transitioning from Foster Care)
• 48 Days to the Work You Love (Career Direction)
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (Personal Development)

We also have some of the most common text books that are required for most of our programs.

• English 94
• English 101
• Psychology 100
• Sociology 101
• Psychology 112
• Public Speaking 220
  

I am excited to offer these as resources to you. UPDATE: If you wish to check out these books please see me for the check out form. Talk to you later

Hey Josh

This is a site that I found a little bit ago. Josh, the founder of the site is a former foster youth. He has turned his tough upbringing into something that can really help other young people. I hope it encourages you. Plus, the site is cool. Check it out here

Sucess Stories of Former Foster Youth

Here is a resource that I found called Foster Club. They have a lot of stuff on there site that could be helpful for you - good articles and ways to connect with others that have been in care. They complied this list of people who have been through the foster care system and come out to be successful, and I thought you may be interested. There is no limit on your future. Here is the link