SAYA Youth Guest Blog: Reflections on Welcoming a New Class

Photo Credit: Roy Rodriguez

Written by: Roy Rodriguez, SAYA College Success

As I reflect on this past year, a memory that stands out is SAYA’s fall open house, where they introduced youth to our center. Returning students talked about their experiences at SAYA, myself included. 

Laying on the familiar lounge couch, I was notified by the wonderful Ms. Amanda - SAYA’s ARISE Facilitator - that our activity was about to start. To my surprise I was greeted by piles of balloons on the gym floor. I was in charge of taking pictures of the activity, but even through the lens I could see its importance. Students wrote down the stressors in their life on balloons like religion, upcoming tests, and the big one being college. 

Everyone has multiple stressors but how would it feel if one person tried to handle it all? Robin, a current student in Senior Cohort, simulated how it would feel to carry the weight everyone else does. Everyone had to place their balloon on top of Robin and we saw that it isn’t easy dealing with so much all by yourself. We talked about different ways to handle our issues - you can ask for help at school, talk to a friend, or just take a break. 

A lot of students and SAYA staff who’ve overcome that weight were panelists for the open house. With an audience of SAYA students, we talked about Young Men’s Leadership, Young Women’s Leadership, ARISE, College Success, Senior Cohort and the Mentorship Program. I can say that even though I’ve only been at SAYA for a year, I was very comfortable and felt like the leadership I was learning showed. 

SAYA is a home where you don’t have to put on a mask. It shows in forms like my close friend Desmond reflecting on his past, laughing about his lateness, and sharing how much he’s learned. Every year is greater than the last, and that is a sign that we learn from one another. I know for sure that the new students who joined SAYA after this open house will be spectacular!