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This page displays creative evidence of the student's work done during the self-awareness exercises. Along with
an explanation of the artistic project, there is an example of the work presented during the meeting.
Self-Awareness Exercise-Feb. 19
Tell your story in a poem
Last week we introduced ourselves to each other by our
first names and gave reasons why they were given and what they represented to us. This week,we would like you to
write the word SELF going vertically on an index card. Leave enough space on the card for additional text. Create an adjective
for every letter of the word SELF that best describes you.
Step 2- Now think of a person in your life that you just
can not communicate with no matter how hard you try. Think of how they make you feel. Remember how you feel when they
just don't understand you or vice versa. Now write a 4 line narrative poem about that person using the adjectives that you
used to best describe yourself. What are the results? Does your poem hold any truth? What does that person sound like now?
Can you see how differences in communication may play a role in relationships due to the similarities between people?
Did you ever think that person may be a lot like you? That they might be just as confused as you? The SELF that you best described,
may be a reflection of your worst relationship. Take time to analyze and share your concepts of people and their emotions
and personalities. Understand the things you like/dislike in other people may be the things you like/dislike in yourself.
Where do those ideas need adjustment in your life? Where does your SELF-worth come from? others or yourself? You choose.
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Sexy
Exciting
This Sexy girl has such an Exciting way
Her Loving style makes people smile
Her Fashionable sense drives people
up the wall
But when I stand next to her
I feel so small.
Sweet
Eloquent
Loving
Fiery
Part of what I have or know,
Sweet in the words he uses
Eloquent in demeanor
Loving to all in his presence
His Fire is why I can't be there.
Sweet
Encouraging
Loving
Faithful
Sweet when he wants to be
Encouraging in the wrong ways
Loving at certain moments
and will never be Faithful
Smart
Exciting
Lovable
Funny
I can't complain she is a Smart woman.
She's not boring like other parents
cause she makes life Exciting.
When I'm depressed she is the most Lovable
person.
Although she is corny, I try to tell her the jokes are
funny.
Sensitive
Energetic
Loving
Funny
Her Sensitivity has become evil to me.
The Energetic person that I thought she was
really was just Loving herself and noone else.
It's Funny though love was all I needed.
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Sweet
Exciting
Loving
Friendly
My Sweetness doesn't mean anything to her.
It is Exciting not to be with her.
But Loving to try to understand her.
I'm Friendly when it comes to her to get to know her better.
Silly
Entertaining
Loving
Funny
He acts Silly to hide insecurity
He Entertains to show happiness
He is Loving to other so people can love him.
It's Funny to say that this is me.
Smart
Exciting
Lovable
Funny
Smart woman but takes it too far.
Exciting woman but her life is so hard
Lovable woman but can't control it too well
Funny woman but I hurt for her
cause her life is a living hell.
Smart
Extreme
Loving
Fly
We're both Smart so why do you hate me?
We live life to an Extreme but love was too extreme for
you to admit.
You remember how Loving I am.
You regret not admitting you cared.
So now you see me Fly away
And you wish I hadn't left you.
Spiritual
Eccentric
Loving
Fascinating
Her Spiritual blanket protected me.
Her Eccentric soul rubbed off on me.
With a Loving Fascination she watches me.
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Self Awareness Exercise-2/26
One W.I.S.E.
Youth student will volunteer to pose for a portrait to be done by the group. The students will sketch the volunteer student
while sketching their self-portrait as well. The students will be asked to capture the volunteer defining their
self on paper. They will be asked to be as creative as possible with crayons, paper and pencil. The volunteer student
will keep their self-portrait hidden until all the students present their visual perception of their fellow W.I.S.E.
youth. All student's work will be revealed one at a time as they ponder certain questions with the group. What
does the subject represent to them? What did they try to express in their drawings? What emotion does it convey? Who believes
they sketched the best portrait? Which resembles the student the most?
Step 2- The
volunteer student is asked to reveal their self-portrait. Although they are asked the same questions about the self-portrait,
they are asked to choose the one that best resembles them from the outside.
It would be
important to realize that the way you see yourself might not always be the way the world sees you. That sometimes the way
others percieve you might not be as important as who you believe you truly are. That others can paint a picture of you according
to what you allow them to see. It is up to you to represent correctly what self means in order to draw an accurate picture
for the world to see. The world's image of you is not stronger than the image of you in the world!
Portraits of Nisa
| Truth and Beauty |
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| by Kaylee |
| The Real Me |
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| Self-Portrait by Nisa |
| Humble Expectations |
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| by Delilah |
Self-Awareness Exercise-
Mar. 5
Purpose:
To discuss how we use violence in our intimate relationships and reflect on what in fact is an intimate relationship
based on respect.
Procedures:
Explain to the group that the objective is to discuss and analyze the various types of violence that we sometimes use in our
intimate relationships and discuss ways of demonstrating and experiencing these relationships based on respect.
1. Divide the participants
into 4 groups (or less, depending on the total number of participants in the group), with 5 or 6 members in each group, and
ask them to invent a short story.
2. Ask two groups to present
an intimate relationship - boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife or boyfriend/boyfriend - which shows scenes of violence. Explain
that the violence can be physical but not necessarily so. Ask them to try to be realistic, using examples of persons and incidents
that they have witnessed or they have heard about in their communities.
3. Ask the other groups to
also present an intimate relationship but based on mutual respect. There may be conflict or differences of opinion, but the
presentation shows respect in the relationship and does not contains scenes of violence. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to discuss
the story or the scenes and then ask them to present it to the group.
4. Each group should have around
5 to 10 minutes to present their stories, with the other groups being allowed to ask questions at the end.
5. When all the groups have
had their turn, using the flip-chart, make a list: what are the characteristics of a violent relationship? Encourage the participants
to reflect on the different forms of violence in intimate relationships (control, coercion, shouting ...) as well as physical
violence. Use the stories as an example and ask: what are the characteristics of the individual or of the relationship itself,
in the cases that were presented, which demonstrate violence?
6. Placing the list on the
wall, begin to list the following: what characteristics make a relationship healthy? Ask the group to think about what is
necessary to achieve a relationship based on respect.
7. Discuss the following questions.
Discussion questions
- Were the examples used in
the story realistic? Do we see these things in our daily life?
- What for you are the causes
of the domestic violence or the violence in the relationship?
- Do only the men use physical
violence against the women?
- When you see this type of
violence, what do you normally do? What could you do?
- Are the examples of a healthy
relationship that were shown in the stories realistic? Is it possible to construct a relationship based on respect? Do we
see it in our daily lives?
- What can we do
individually to construct healthy intimate relationships?
Healthy Relationship Scenario 1- Steven and Kaylee
Scene- Kaylee is at the
kitchen sink washing dishes. Steven walks into the apartment and announces to Kaylee that he is leaving to the Army despite
Kaylee's strong opposition to the War. Kaylee resists Steven leaving her by expressing her emotions openly and honestly
about it. She expresses grief and sorrow yet remains calm and open as Steven states how the military could help
them. She proclaims that he has signed up to kill himself. She suggests that he serve and protect her instead of his country.
In an effort to express her extreme concern for his life and to somehow persuade him to stay, Kaylee cries out to Steven
and tells her exactly how she feels about him and how much it will hurt to lose him. Kaylee asks Steven to validate his
love for her. He does obligingly as she sheds a tear. Steven finalizes the conversation by indicating that
he has been drafted. (Applause)
Analogy:
This group improvised a situation that may occur in any relationship along
with healthy alternatives chosen to communicate a difficult subject. They validated each others feelings by using
"I" statements to express themselves efficiently. They did not raise their voices innappropriately. She communicates her fears
and insecurities instead of masking them behind anger and resentment. Although Kaylee knew that Steven was aware of her
opinion of the military, she continued to voice her concerns instead of attacking and threatening Steven for violating her
wishes. Whichever role they chose to assume,the situation was out of their hands as they continue to consider healthy
approaches to effective communication under any circumstances.
Abusive Relationship Scenario 2- Lakeisha and
Yadira
Scene: Yadi has a friend
named Keisha who gives her more negative feedback than a stranger on the street. Yadi is at her locker in school and Keisha
walks up and says hi as they begin a conversation about last night's episode of America's Next Top Model. Yadi expresses her
growing interest and passion in becoming a model. Although she is only 5'2" she is a stunning young lady. Keisha begins to
remind Yadi of her flaws as well as insulting her very rudely about the requirements for modeling and a "who do you think
you are?" attitude. This is something that Keisha does often and Yadi is feeling very discouraged and verbally abused by her
friend. Her response is to first walk away. Another alternative allows Yadi to confront her friend lovingly, and remain
committed to her goals as a model. The friend is then flabbergasted and embarrased at their own behavior.(Applause)
Analogy: This is
an example of how an abusive relationship can be addressed in an attempt to reveal the source of and
the presence of abusive behavior. While Keisha continued to harass and question Yadi about her intentions to become a
model, her envy and insecurity grew more obvious. Yadi was shocked by her insults yet discovered that if she remained true
to her self she could uncover the truth of the situation. She did not internalize the lies that Keisha tried to use to control
her, instead recognizing the fear that results in anger and violence and overcoming it with self-empowerment and confidence.
Self-Awareness Exercise - Mar 19.
The Fear Monologues
We all identify with violence in some aspect of our
lives.We probably have witnessed violence at some point as well. Violence is a physical act performed with the intent to create
harm. Violence is a result of anger. Anger that is not channeled positively results in violence. Anger is not a bad thing.
It is the way your emotions tell you something is wrong and it has to change. Anger is a way to identify your confusion and/or
frustration with circumstances. Anger should be released. Anger can be vented as positive energy in order to boldly and assertively
seek or create positive change and justice. Some choose to channel anger as violence. Which way do you choose to vent your
anger? Some choose to turn anger inward manifesting as depression, self-destructive behaviors, addictions and self-mutilation.
Anger is a result of fear. The only mask that shades the pain and fear is anger and rage. Fear is the
unknown. The lack of knowledge of a subject can grow into fear. Face your fears. Find the truth. Find your
personal truth that uncovers the motive behind your fears. Do you want to know what you are hiding from? What causes your
anger from arising from an unknown place? Do you want to learn your own personal truth that keeps you grounded through
life and names you fearless? Through monologues you will face that fear. Become that fear. Unveil the truth and challenge
yourself to view your fear from a different perspective. As you reveal the character and source of your fears you will discover
the connection between yourself,others and approaches to self-discovery.
My Fear
I can see you
You can feel me there.
I'm the glitch in your eyes,
The goose bumps in your skin
The pain, grief, anger, sadness,
Everything that you just wish wasn't there.
That feeling you get in a dark
alley
That fast walk that you have.
That paranoia that builds inside of you.
Your heart starts racing.
I'm loving it.
It's my job.
Can you guess what I am?
I'm not those fish you hate
or that uncertainty you have about love
The fact that you'll get a bad report card or even your future.
I scare you
But you dont't let it get to you.
But you face it and spit in my face.
And that makes me want to scare you more and more...
You fear the unknown but you don't let it get to you.
Your fear is your past, present and future.
Your fear is the life of me.
Kaylee Santos
Ways to Inspire Self-Empowerment in Youth
Copyright 2005 DM All rights reserved
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