Research Pizza

 

This study explores how systems can be transformed and how young people can challenge their circumstances. It highlights how these youth workers support young people in developing awareness and participating in social action.

Clemons explores her research question using a qualitative approach that includes several key methods. She conducts individual interviews with youth workers, observes their interactions within youth organizations, and examines public community engagements. Additionally, she analyzes organizational artifacts, such as promotional materials and information from organizational websites.

This study used a critical approach to identify three different strategies that nine youth workers at three different organizations use to support young people in their efforts towards social justice activism.

Ideologies of Research

I feel most aligned with the Constructivist approach because I value understanding how people perceive and interpret their experiences. Constructivism's focus on meaning and context resonates with me. However, I also connect with the Critical approach because of the emphasis on social justice and transformative change.

My question, "What additional support systems can I help create for students experiencing housing or food insecurity?

 If I took a constructivist approach, I would answer the question like this:

To help create additional support systems for students experiencing housing and food insecurity I would start by talking to students to understand their specific needs and challenges. Using their feedback, I would work with them to create support systems that fit their unique situations. This could involve setting up a campus food pantry or partnering with local organizations for housing assistance. By continuously engaging with students, I would ensure that the support systems we create are working well and adjust them as needed. We could create a space together where students can openly discuss their challenges and work together for solutions.

If I took a critical approach, I would answer the question like this: 

To help create additional support systems for students experiencing housing and food insecurity I would look at the bigger systemic issues and policies that contribute to housing and food insecurity. This would involve advocating for changes in policies, increasing funding for support services, and working with community organizations to address the root causes of these issues. This could also involve advocating for policy change at the institutional level as well to push for more affordable housing options on or off campus, meal plans and more.The goal would be to create fair and sustainable support systems that address the root issues affecting students.

20 Questions

1. What's next?

2. How can I better serve my students?

3. How do I stop being so hard on myself?

4. Why do I always feel the need to be productive?

5. When will they start to consider what the students need and want?

6. What are my career goals, and what steps do I need to take to achieve them?

7. How can I improve my self-confidence in my professional abilities?

8. Do I even want to pursue a PhD/EdD or do I just like the idea of it?

9. How can I build a stronger support network for my students outside the college?

10. How can I avoid burnout?

11. What partnerships can I build with community organizations to support my students better?

12. How can I make a greater impact?

13. How can they justify increasing the cost of campus living and meal plans without improving the quality of the dorms and food?

14. What additional support systems can I help create for students experiencing housing or food insecurity?

15. Will I ever stop doubting myself?

16. What trainings or certificates could benefit my professional development?

17. Will Administration ever listen to us?

18. Is my future in Higher Ed?

19. Why is getting an education so expensive but the salaries don’t match?

20. Will I ever be able to have a hybrid schedule in this field?

DREYA

Hey y'all, I'm Dreya! :) I was born and raised in Providence, RI. I graduated from RIC with a Bachelor's Degree in Youth Development in 2021. I am an Advisor at Student Support Services here on campus. I am also a RIC 100 Instructor and Advisor for Harambee, the Black Student Union on campus. Before I started my advising career I used to work within school and residential settings with youth and adults with intellectual disabilities and behavioral challenges. I love the work that I do. I wake up everyday feeling like I am living in my purpose. I am extremely passionate about working with first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities. I am a first-generation college graduate who went through K-12 and early college years with not much support, so to get to be the person I never had for my students means everything to me!