Hi, everybody. My name is Katie DeRosa, and I'm a first-year graduate student in the youth development program at Rhode Island College. The reason why I chose this program was because I felt seen and heard as a woman of color. And that meant everything to me. Also, I chose this program because I am an educator and I really want to continue to incorporate social justice, practice, and teachings in my classroom. And I really feel that the youth development program provides resources and teachings around that. In the youth development program, I really value the sense of community, the sense of transparency, honesty... I always get excited when it's class time or "Zoom time" now because of this sense of community that's embedded within the program. So from being in the program, I have not only learned so much academically, but also personally, and that is because I'm cared for in this program. You are cared for in this program. And when you're cared for you are able to grow and achieve your goals and succeed. And I truthfully feel that I have grown not only as a person but also as an educator to the youth that I serve every day, thanks to this program. A goal of mine though, after this program, would be to continue as an educator and to continue my anti-racist teachings and practices in the classroom and advocating for youth, leading with youth, empowering youth, and also hopefully one day opening up my own youth-led organization. So with this, I wish you all the best of luck on your next academic journey. And I hope that you are as connected to Y Dev as I am. Good luck!
