Pasadena, Calif., native, Janina Daniels, is thriving and living her dreams in Alabama. Daniels is a sophomore at Stillman College majoring in psychology and education.
She was inspired to pursue this educational path when she first worked as an outreach counselor at the YMCA in San Marino, Calif., through a summer internship. Now, while pursuing her educational dreams, she works at the Benjamin Barnes branch of the YMCA in Tuscaloosa, Ala. "It is so enjoyable. It brings light to my day to know I am doing something positive for youth- youth being our future. I encourage them to try to be positive and do better. I love helping to set up a foundation to help generations keep going," she explained with a grin.
"My main goal is to bring something new to the table. Show the kids a different outlook. There are other ways to express your self besides yelling or acting out. Many of them are just frustrated and looking for a way to express who they are and how they feel. I tell them, express your self through fashion, or through the books you read or music you listen to." She said she enjoyed helping them deal with issues at home or school and to set a positive example for them. "I think my being from California brings some spice too. Some of the kids don't know anyone else form so far away."
Her main focus is to bring together a community partnership between Maude Whatley Health Center and the YMCA. "We both have some important things in common. We exist to help build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Also, the YMCA has centers in Rosedale, Hay Court and Holt Crescent East and Maude Whatley has a center in Crescent East. We are all striving to help the same community in ways that compliment one another."
Daniels encourages other youth to get involved with the YMCA and points out that they can gain valuable experience while helping others. Those interested in volunteering or obtaining more information regarding tutoring, general brainstorming, and athletics for grades K-12 should contact Laura Payton, Outreach Director for the Benjamin Barnes branch of the YMCA at lpayton1007@yahoo.com.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Tuesday, February 15th 2011 at 5:25PM
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