#impact fellows program

[impactfellowsprogram]

LAST DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe yesterday was the last Kinetic Workshop! It's such a bittersweet feeling!  I'm so used to preparing and planning for the workshops everyday with my fellow IFP'ers!  This program is so empowering and enriching.  I can't thank Bryan, Vi, Steve and everyone else that came in and spoke.  Your words are powerful and will forever be a part of me.

--currently listening to Avril Lavigne----I will forever be reminded of Bryan.--

Anyways, I think Kinetic is a great program for high school youth to have open dialogues about their Asian American identity and issues the youth deal with or witness.  Having these talks is very important so the youth can be exposed to certain issues and be aware of their surroundings.  As a Communication student, facilitating these workshops made me aware of what I need to work on as a public speaker and better my skills.  Also, getting feedback from the students reinforces the fact that Kinetic is actually helping the high school youth be more well rounded.  I wish I had a program like this when I was in high school. I think I would see the world differently. Vi- You are such a hardworking person.  Sending emails at 3am... That just goes to show that you are so passionate about what you do. Thank you for all the hours you put in and sharing your story.  Bryan- You're such an understanding and humble person! Steve- Thank you for all the incredible insight and help with Kinetic! You're a dynamic person. Chris- You're one of the best listeners I know.  Whenever I'm having a terrible day, you know exactly what to say and make me feel better! Thank you! Jam- I love that you can get along with anyone you talk to.  I'm happy you were placed with me for Kinetic!  <3 Grace- You're always so positive and cute! You always brighten the room! Mergen- Your sarcastic sense of humor is something I really resonate well with.  You always know how to make people laugh and that is such a great quality to have. Jon- #kingofratchet aka Jon.  You're one of the easiest person to talk to. STAY TRILL. Josh- THOSE ARMS. Nuff said. Just kidding. No, really though. Keep up the good work.   Connie- You are the most thoughtful person ever.  Noticing the little things about people is a gift I aspire from you. Norman- You're such an understanding person and so smart.  Imran- You got me saying "too much" in like every conversation now... haha   Maya- Last but not least, Maya! My fellow Deer! We're gonna visit you on campus this fall. Get ready.

Lastly, I want to thank my fellow IFP'ers for sharing their stories, opening up, and most importantly being my friend.  I love you guys. FORREAL. Thank you for reading and being a part of my life! Until next time..... --Kasey 

[impactfellowsprogram]

Hello! I had all weekend to think about what I wanted to write about.  Reflecting back to the first week, it's crazy how much everyone has grown and it's only been five days of this program! I really did not know what to expect my first day but these eight hours seem to be flying by.  My two favorite exercises week one were the public presentations and the medicine wheel. I was pretty nervous preparing for the public presentations because I didn't want people to judge me for what I was saying. But after everyone was opening up about their personal stories, I realized we all have different stories to share and faced similar struggles.  Finding people to relate to was hard for me and it's great to know that my peers can listen and open up as well.  For whatever reason, I keep referring back to the wheel and thinking about what kind of person I am individually and also in a group setting.  Everyone works in different ways and this chart is a good way of categorizing people and getting a sense of who can bring what to the table.

Also! Usually on tumblr, I reblog a million pictures and I never really write thoughtful responses, so this is a nice change of pace. --Kasey!