Blessing In Disguise

 

 An experience that I went through that seemed like it was going to be negative at first was the closing of my job when I was 17. At the time I was working at an after school youth leadership program at Family Services of Greater Boston. It was my first job and I participated in the program for a few years with my brother, and after time was promoted as the senior youth leader of the group. Being involved in social justice and civic engagement activities were important to my peers and I who were a part of the program, it was something we took pride in being apart of. In December of 2012 we got news that we would no longer be able to continue programming due to lack of funding. The change impacted each of us differently and in due time, I'd come to learn that the shift was to open more doors for me.
       Initially I was upset to see 14 of my peers and 3 of my mentors left without a job. I couldn't understand or maybe I just couldn't accept why a privately funded program that was so effective would be discontinued. I struggled to build a resume that would help me acquire another job and spent a lot of time pondering about how I would support myself and stay on the path to becoming more independent. I was disappointed that the family we had created and the space we decorated were going to come to an end so suddenly. I was worried about some members of the group and if they would find another opportunity to stay off the streets and spend their time positively. Mostly, I think I was hurt that such a great and life changing experience was not going to be available for other teens growing up in the city and a vision had lost it's life.
      Fortunately for me, I found a new job opportunity quickly after the program ended. Maybe a week or so after the program closed I began working after school at a local non-profit organization. In time, the change turned out to be in my favor because I got multiple promotions on my new job and got to fulfill some personal goals. I was able to develop both personally and professionally at my new job and I'll always be grateful for that step in my life. I began making more money and was awarded the position to develop and facilitate a youth division for the organization and be one of the founders of their youth program. I was able to greatly expand my network and meet a number of elected officials, candidates for various political positions and powerful leaders both in and outside of the community. A lesson that I learned was that change is not always expected and prepared for but it I should always look at it positively to not get wrapped up in what could possibly go wrong. I also learned that everyone adapts to change differently and how I deal with the changes in my life will either make or break me. It helped me grow in realizing that I can't be comfortable and mature at the same time, some things will be hard but if I can get through them I will be stronger than I was before.

Alchemy 

Take each moment and explode it 

Each struggle is a hurdle 

That pushes you higher, it pushes you harder. 

Reach for more than what's in front of you 

To do your part in creating the bigger picture. 

Every mistake is a chance to get better

Embrace the storms for days with nicer weather, 

Letting your problems be lighter than a feather. 

Explaining alchemy can be tricky 

If the reader's not with me, 

That the glass is always full 

Even if it is full of air. 

Keeping faith in the darkness

 That the end of the tunnel is near. 

But even more importantly to take the darkness as a time to reflect

Time to retrospect and gain self respect

Prepare your heart and mind for what may be next. 

Whatever life brings is brought for a reason, 

Your being fluid like the changing of the seasons. 

An understanding that as a creation 

You Are Nature.