Cornell Square Week 1

 In the first week of the TRACE program, we worked on team building and getting a better understanding of the things we actually believe. To promote team building, We played games such as the Identifying trees games. In this game, we were broken up into 3 groups (Tree Huggers, Rakks, and the Mighty Squirrels)  to compete in a tree hunt extravaganza. Each group was given a book that helps them identify different trees. With this book, we were to pick different trees within the park and identify them. The team with the most trees identified correctly won, which was the Mighty  Squirrels. This game was a fun activity because it gave us a chance to look at the nature around Cornell Square Park as well as work together as a team.

  We also worked on both team building and learning about ourselves by the many discussions we had during our work hours. We discussed the things that go on in our neighborhoods, police activity, our own personal beliefs and views, oppression, and age-ism.  In these discussions, we each had a chance to open up about the way we all feel as well as see other's opinions, which also made some of us change our views and paradigms.  We realized that there's a lot about our communities that needs to change and we also have to be open to other people's opinions, but we don't have to be oppressed by them. We don't always have to change because of a way a person thinks. And no matter what age we are, we all need to be respected and show respect.

  The last day of the week = FIELD TRIP! The coolest day of the week by far. We played more team building games, where most of them made us put more trust in our teammates/ coworkers. The activities included the trust fall, working together to get the wheel out of the "lions den" and being able to "balance on a boat." These games were all fun, creative, and easy for any age group.

  What we experienced this week proves that if there were more programs uplifting teens, there wouldn't be so many of them out in the street. Creating great programs can help "troubled" teens realize their potential. If we've learned anything this week, its to stop criticizing and start motivating and working together because great things, conversations, and changes can be a result of this.

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On the first day of work, us TRACERs got to know each other well. We did team building exercises that were exciting and fun. The check in was amazing, we got to pick out a card that describes our mood and emotion. We also learned about commercial radio and other different types of radios from Ms. Irene which was something new to learn. And last but not least, us co-workers picked a job during the week that we wanted to work, a pretty exciting day.

The first week of work was great. Doing these good exercises with each other was fascinating. Different discussions about different topics, and hearing others opinions went well. I think the first week was good for us TRACErs to get to know each other's opinions and open up for group discussions and activities.