Friday- Human Trafficking Workshop

On Friday was a human trafficking workshop, collaborated between several organizations throughout Costa Rica with the help of several students (us), from Miss Amy's advisory. The preparation was the night before, rather brief but pretty straight forward. To be completely honest, I personally was not exactly sure what the outcome was going to be or what exactly I was going to be doing but I trusted everything would work out, which it did.
So, I was assigned arts and crafts with Omar and Sydney, which went really well. I understood the concept of the workshop- there was one serious discussion, a 4 step explanation and a Q&A, which are the two intense, informative stations, run by the psychologists and the people fro the organization. Then the rest of the stations, run by the students, were fun, distractions to make the whole workshop memorable. Therefore we didn't actually experience anything intense, which was actually a bit relieving. At times, the experts say, some kids could be a bit disturbed and this would show up in the art. But for the most part it was just for fun relating to the topic, so we had 5 trusted people.
The lower school workshop flew by. The three of us in crafts were in a motion, just going through groups 15 minutes at a time. Then, we went to the upper campus which was a little different. It was more of a conversation and a little bit more straight to the point; more about human trafficking than "good touch, bad touch". I was found in a group with some 6th-8th graders and it was a little difficult because they didn't understand the concept of human trafficking. I think this is really tough because you don't want to scare the kids, but the reality is scary. They asked me to tell them, so I briefly explained something not too scary and they were shocked but happy to know the truth.
Then there was a discussion with the older students (us) and that went really well. It was very interesting, we talked about all sorts of things- what causes human trafficking, how can it be stopped, etc.

Overall, the day was a success and there were really little to no obstacles. Don't worry, Miss Amy, it was great! 

Reflection 10/3/14

So, let's talk about the Valentine's Dance. It's taken me a while to update or reflect probably due to how the dance turned out, which was a little un-motivating. 

Friday, February the 14th SSS stayed after school and spent the whole afternoon decorating and preparing for the night. We made a photo booth, picture props, had pink and red balloons everywhere, etc. The DJ around a little after 7pm, and started playing music. Entrance was 2,500colones but we quickly changed to 2,000colones as no one had change. We were selling drinks instead of baked goods this time, which was a much better idea. We re-organized our chaperone set up from last time. This time we had two men at the entrance of the school, one by the bathroom and 3 women at the dance. It was more balanced and barely noticeable. 

The turn out was pretty good! I feel that there were more kids last dance but some say vice versa. 

The problem was we had underaged kids drinking, a lot of them. We didn't realize it was such an issue till one kid threw up and passed out. The director helped me and we called his mom to pick him up. But many kids drank, only he got caught. It was a little un-motivating as I am very calm and nice to them, I thought they would be more understanding but I know I shouldn't take it personally. 

Although, a lot of things went well, I think I've been slacking in SSS because my energy level has been very low and I've been in SSS since 8th grade. I have a big issue with organizing the financial aspect of the group. I cannot be and the leader and the treasurer, but no one is stepping up. For example I still haven't deposited the money from the dance, very irresponsible of me. I know I'm not putting in my maximum effort but I can't find the energy. I don't think it was really that big of a deal, it's just with the combination of my current mood that makes me feel a little apathetic. 

Luckily, as CAS comes to an end I'm starting to pass the project to other students. This week, the younger girls planned all by themselves a spirit week. I'm there for them to ask for advice and help organize their thoughts, but Martina specifically really stepped up and took leadership role. After this week we are going to do a group reflection so I can see how it went for them. I'm happy that they are willing to keep this project going, it's really apart of our school culture now.

My current goal is finding a treasurer that is committed, I'm asking around. I've made a spread sheet to be more organized.