First Day on the Job

Me and Summer Institute 2012 Keynote Speaker Steve Perry

I think we can all agree that your first day on the job can be a frightening experience.  You don’t know what to expect – from what your typical day looks like, to how your co-workers will receive you, to what your work space entails.  Nearly six years ago, when I joined the SC Campaign, I would say it was definitely orientation by fire!  My first week on the job was the week of the SC Campaign’s signature event – Summer Institute.

To say my first week was a whirlwind was an understatement.  Second day on the job I was carpooling to Charleston with three co-workers and sharing living quarters with five co-workers at a house on Sullivan’s Island.  I was nervous, but in hindsight was glad to have had this time to get to know people on a more personal level.    

That first week on the job gave me some insight into my new position, the organization, the issue and my co-workers.  Looking back, it was a wonderful way to be oriented into the SC Campaign.  I saw the teamwork that goes on behind the scenes of putting on one of the best teen pregnancy prevention conferences in the country.  I learned from many experts in the field and walked away with knowledge of the issue – which, at that time, to be perfectly clear, knew nothing about teen pregnancy prevention.  My background was in Communications, not Public Health, so my learning curve was huge.

Over the years, what I have come to love most about Summer Institute is that there is something for everyone.  Whether it’s your first day on the job or you are a seasoned teen pregnancy prevention professional – there are workshops, keynotes and networking opportunities for everyone.  As we approach our 14th Annual Summer Institute, I hope you will join us!  And for all you bargain shoppers – make sure to register by April 1 to get our Early Bird Discount.  If you’re anything like me – you love a good deal! You can register by clicking on this link: Register now.

by Cayci Banks, Director of Communications, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy 

What's going on?

Luxury: An inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain.

At one time it was education. Then it was zip codes. Now, it seems to me, that access to food separates the Haves and the Have Nots. Food has become a luxury. A Place at the Table is an unforgiving and transparent documentary about hunger in this country. According to Feeding America, 16.7 million children lived in food insecure households in 2011. School Readiness is a platform I support.  I’ve read articles that report damaging effects of hunger in children. Examples are insufficient school readiness, slower brain and cognitive development, poor learning and academic performance, delayed physical, mental, and social development, and increased risk of obesity. In this nation of $50millon dollar reality TV contracts, 50 million Americans rely on charitable food programs. I think we have seen so many Feed the Children infomercials, that when we hear the word “hunger” those images automatically come to mind.  However, we forget about the working poor and elderly that are morbidly obese due to only having access to inexpensive high calorie processed foods. To quote my favorite Marvin Gaye song, “What’s going on?”  For more about the  hunger crisis in America, visit  http://www.takepart.com/place-at-the-table

by Meredith Talford, Upstate Training & TA Specialist, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy 

Will You Be My Valentine?

I’ve been a mom now for almost 19 years and my kids still surprise me by teaching me just as much, if not more, than I teach them. 

My 6^th grade daughter came home one day in early February and took some money out of her piggy bank.  Her middle school was having a Valentine’s Day fundraiser.  For $2, a student could purchase a carnation, attach a message and have it delivered to someone special during school.  She asked me what I thought about her buying one for her crush, a quiet boy in her band class that would occasionally give her a shy smile.  My first reaction was, “Oh, no!  Girls shouldn’t be sending flowers to boys.”  I didn’t want her to face possible rejection and humiliation.  And I didn’t want the boy to endure teasing from his friends, especially his male friends.  I wanted to protect both of them.  When I lamely tried to explain this to my daughter, she looked crushed.  She simply wanted to do something nice for someone and I was telling her she shouldn’t.  What kind of a lesson was that? And what kind of message was I sending, that in 2013 she should just sit quietly and wait for that special boy to notice her? I changed my advice on the spot.  I told her if she wanted to send the carnation to the boy, she should go for it!

 

After much consideration, she decided to send the carnation to her crush anonymously, and I think she was hoping she might get one too.  Although she came home empty handed on Valentine’s Day, she certainly didn’t come home empty hearted.  She told me her crush was so happy to have received the carnation as evidenced by the huge smile on his face as he showed it off to everyone.  She had made his day and that was enough for her to have a great Valentine’s Day as well. (And it didn’t hurt that she had gotten chocolates from her Mommy!)

by Melanie Foltz, Director of Finance, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy 

Young Men…Take Control of Your Lives!

In less than two weeks, my little brother will leave for Great Lakes, Illinois to complete his Naval Basic Training program. My little brother is only 20 years old, and at this tender age, he has conscientiously made the decision to better himself and serve his country. Growing up, our parents have always stressed the importance of making a name for ourselves and leaving our mark on the world. My little brother tried college and ultimately felt like it was not the place for him. Then one day last year, he came into the kitchen and said, “Mom and Dad, I am going to the military!” He said it with so much conviction that my parents had no choice but to believe him. My little brother began preparing himself physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Since he was sworn in last fall, my brother has maintained a healthy diet, removed social pressures, and established a stronger foundation with God. I am truly proud of my little brother!

As his departure nears, I think about all of the young men who may have made different life choices like giving in to social pressures such as substance abuse or sexual activity. My heart also goes out to all of the teen fathers who never knew that one night of passion could inevitably turn into a lifetime commitment. I think it is very important to teach our young men about goal setting and making a plan for their lives. In the context of teen pregnancy prevention, we often forget our young men when it takes two to tango. I think young men should be educated during middle school and high school about the different paths that they can take in life and about the consequences associated with their actions. My little brother made the conscientious decision to take control of his life, when so many of his friends decided to engage in risky health behaviors. I am overjoyed and filled with so much pride and admiration for my little brother’s decision to enlist in the United States Navy! I challenge all young men to think about what they want out of life and to seek mentors that can help guide them along the way!


God Bless my little brother and God Bless America!

by Dr. India Rose, PhD, Project Manager, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy