Education has taken a different approach when it comes to the importance of the fundamental development of youth and young adults.
High school can be a great obstacle for a young person, it is where most are forming their own identity and personalities. It can be a time of confusion, wanting to belong, and many questions of what is next after high school.
D. De Silva, a social worker here in New York City, gives insight into how a high school is a place for youth to discover themselves.
D. De Silva expressed, High School is where Students are arriving to a place of discovery, and desire to explore all that awaits them in the world. They are in the final stage of their adolescent years before officially entering adulthood. Whether they decide to pursue higher education, employment, or self-reflection. It’s where those choices are presented more so than it was in middle school.
Although, high school is a place for discovery and to explore there is a disconnect that starts in High school students when it comes to education and its importance. Not only for their development educationally but mentally as well. J. Hunter-Bass, a licensed counselor and guidance specialist, explains the disconnect in learning is developed long well before high school. Students and the relationships they build with teachers in elementary and middle school give them the idea of how “all” teachers will support and interact with them in the future.
Meaning if youth came from a learning institution where they feel unwarned or cared for, the drive to learn or seek higher education is low to none.
The importance of research, education, and performing arts in youth and adults are becoming lost forms. Giving yourself or a youth the opportunity broadening your mind is a gift but also an ability that should be molded and nourished. Allowing this gives you the ability to see the world in a boarder perspective.
Why do young adults and youth drop out once they get to high school?
“For various reasons such as life stressors, lost interest in education, wanting to jump into adulthood, or being forced into adulthood earlier. Homelessness, mental health concerns, domestic violence, a victim of crime, street life, a traumatic change in the family structure, or lack of positive support in their life.” – D. De Silva
D. De Silva continues by saying, Research, education, and the arts have a way of broadening a young person’s horizon; allowing them to see the world they know through a different lens. It exposes them to the possibilities life has to offer.
Here is our conversation below with Guerdley Cajus, she is a dance and educational instructor based in New York City, as well as the CoFounder of QueenMoves. In the conversation, we are targeting the issue of education, performing arts, and the importance of youth development.
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