Something I’ve learned from my service year is…
I am currently serving with National Health Corps Chicago as a Sexual Reproductive Health Educator in Chicago Public Schools. Most days I teach high school students about sexual health, sexual and reproductive health services, taking responsibility for their bodies, and encouraging safe sex practices, while also providing resources related to sexual health services. Everyday while in the classroom I have to build trust, because I teach subjects that are a part of an individual's most private and intimate relationships I have to foster trust. Before I began any lesson, I ask the students to establish a set of "ground rules" or "group norms," that as a class we try to keep in mind throughout the lesson. I foster trust by establishing ground rules and groups norms that allow students to feel comfortable discussing uncomfortable topics. The ground rules encourage open communication, inclusive dialogue, intuitive questions, and two-sided respect. These trust-building experiences spill over into my service and personal life each day when trying to be an inclusive member of society and respectful member of National Health Corps Chicago. I know these trust-building skills I have developed and will continue to mature will follow me throughout the duration of my career and shine through in my personal life.
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