2021 Project: Exploring and Transforming

Exploring and Transforming was originally intended to be a nonprofit that makes mental health services/resources, mentorship, and scholarships more accessible to students. Past events focused on educating people about the impact of trauma and the protective factors that can improve one's mental health.

The next goal for this initiative is to create a scholarship fund for college students in New Jersey.

Past Events

Event Transcript

Moderator: How have you changed your narrative?

Chamylah: I had to release and recreate. I had to release everything that was not working for me anymore…and to be honest, the victim story was not serving me. I always felt like everything was happening to me. I took everything personally. I blamed everyone else for my problems. I think it’s important to take the time to step back and assume accountability for the things that you do. Ask, “What did I do to impact the way I am experiencing this situation?” Sometimes, we want to be convinced that the world is against us…but I had to recreate my narrative and say, “No, I get to create the things that I want.” If I feel disconnected, I get to create spaces for connection to exist. When we recognize or acknowledge the power of choice and how we can dictate the life that we want, it makes a huge difference.

Moderator: What advice would you give your 20-year old self?

Chamylah: I would have told myself, “If you don't know, go find out.” Sometimes we tend to get discouraged if we don't know certain things.We get really frustrated, but we have the internet. We have people who are knowledgeable about so many different things and we could reach out to them. Second thing, slow down. When we're running around trying to do a million things at once, we get tired. So, I would say if you have a million dreams, you don't have to accomplish all of them within the next 3 days. Just take your time and enjoy life.

Key Takeaways:

• Remember that information is always available at your fingertips

• Slow down and get excited about the unexpected

• Share your vision and celebrate your progress

Reflection Questions:

How do the different parts of your identity influence the way you view yourself, others, and the world? How do you believe your identity and environment affect your willingness to give or receive support?

Key Takeaways:

• Building Confidence and self-esteem begins with self-acceptance

• Intersectionality refers to how the different parts of your identity affect the way you experience privileges and disadvantages. These categories can include: 1) Age and Generational Influences 2) Developmental Disabilities Acquired at Birth, 3) Disabilities Acquired Later in Life, 4) Religion/Spirituality, 5) Ethnicity/Race, 6) Social Class, 7) Sexual Orientation, 8) Indigenous Heritage, 9) National Origin, 10) Gender

• The 5 love languages include: 1) Quality time, 2) Acts of service, 3) Physical touch, 4) Receiving gifts, 5) Words of affirmation, Understanding your own love language and asking others about theirs could improve the communication within your connections.