November Workshop – Careers in Politics & Code Switching
November 17th, 2018 University of California San Diego – The Blue Heart Foundation held our monthly personal/professional development workshop. This month we focused on Careers in Politics, the importance of image and the UC application process. Our presenters came with a wealth of knowledge and we believe both sides grew from the experience.
Tony Young and Omar Passons discussed the political process and importance of civic engagement. Both advised our youth that their political attitudes are shaped by their unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, so it’s essential that they learn more about politics and get involved so they can channel their energies towards effecting a positive change.
Touching on the point that if they are engaged in politics, they will be more likely to serve in their communities in areas such as health, education and charity work. This level of involvement will continue as they grow older and the years of experience will refine their understanding of how civil engagement in our country works—especially when they are able to vote, sign petitions, and even run for office themselves.
Taryell Simmons presented on the importance of image and discussed “code switching”. Code-switching is a fundamental and even vital component of the human language. There are both social and professional benefits to changing the way in which you speak based on who you are speaking with. It is important for people to feel comfortable throughout all of the different groups in their lives, and code-switching is they a way to stay connected to all of these groups at once. Even the Past President of the United states President Barack Obama understands the importance of code switching. Back in January of 2009, president elect Barack Obama went to get lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Ben’s Chili Bowl, is a famous restaurant in a historically black neighborhood. After paying for his food, the cashier asked the President if he would like his change, to which he replied “Nah, we straight”.
Kyler Nathan IV (UCSD Admissions) provided information on the UC Application Process. The college application process can seem intimidating, especially if students don’t have parents or siblings who have already been through it and can offer advice. Mr. Nathan noted that since there are so many steps, such as writing an essay and obtaining letters of recommendation, a good way for students to get started is to create a to-do list during their junior year of high school.
“Once you can see it visually, the number of tasks and a schedule to do them, it simplifies a lot of things and It will take away a lot of the anxiety.” Though there is often prep work that happens beforehand, students generally begin filling out college applications the summer between their junior and senior year of high school. Though today was an overview of the process for all, one can never start preparing early enough for the steps required to move towards higher education.
