By “MM”
My weakness is giving in to people. Since I was little I always gave into people and never said “no,” “I don’t want to,” or “naw, I’m kew.”
For instance, if my older sister asked me for money I would just give it to her without question, even though I knew I needed that money. Or like when I was a freshman, I would do anything to fit in, like one time I spent money on weed, and other times I would buy junk food for my friends and I cause munchies would kick in. But I always knew I needed that money for lab fees or notebooks.
[pullquote_right]I would do anything to fit in, like one time I spent money on weed, and other times I would buy junk food for my friends and I cause munchies would kick in.[/pullquote_right]One day a group of my friends planned to get their tongue pierced at lunch and they asked me if I was going to get it done too. I said “yes” without even thinking. When I got it done I felt really stupid because I knew my mom wasn’t up for it and plus I couldn’t even take it out because it hurt too much. She found out anyway.
Now I’ve become more mature and I know when to say “no,” or when to go straight home. I use money for good. I’m more confident and I am my own follower and leader. It was hard, but I had to find the strength to know when to say when. I learned to be myself and stop following what others said, whether it’s about money or getting a piercing.
There are consequences for every action, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way, but I’m glad I learned it at all.
In 2006, over 25 youth began participating in weekly after-school writing workshops where they congregated in the hallway of a two-story building in West Fresno and learned the essentials of creating media and telling their stories. The group evolved over the next five years and is now proudly recognized as The kNOw Youth Media.
Through our program, we create opportunities for our youth participants, who in turn create long-term positive change in their communities. Our approach weaves youth development and youth media innovation to produce our biannual youth publication, multimedia projects, and community forums.
The kNOw began as a project of New America Media, which was the country’s first and largest national collaboration and advocate of 2000 ethnic news organizations. In 2018 The kNOw became a project of Youth Leadership Institute.
