Life is an Adventure. Let’s Explore the Journey Together!
In education and expanded learning, we often take the path less traveled – the unpaved trail that leads to exploration and adventure! The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is excited to spotlight the journeys of the BOOST Leadership and BOOST Ambassador teams in the Fall 2025 Collaborative Blog Series – Share Your Career Journey: Explore the Path We’ve Traveled. Thank you to these important BOOST partners for adventuring into the unknown for the betterment of our youth and communities.
Grab your gear, because adventure awaits with Shanyce Blossom (She/Her). Thank you, Shanyce, for inviting us to join your journey! We appreciate you!
Explore the Path We’ve Traveled with BOOST Leadership Team Member, Shanyce Blossom (She/Her)
Shanyce is the Youth Director for 16th Street SDA Church in San Bernardino, CA, and a proud member of the BOOST Leadership Team.
What is your career path journey? How did you get involved in the out-of-school time, expanded learning, and/or educational fields?
As a youth, I met my mentor at my church, and she started to have me spend time helping with the children’s ministry. This led me to become passionate about working with children and becoming an advocate for the younger voice.
What part of your career path has surprised you most?
The fact that I have become so passionate about making sure children and youth are heard, seen, and understood.
Who has supported you on your journey as a mentor, colleague, or friend?
I have been supported by many people. My grandmother was the first to notice my gift for working and caring for children. My mentor, Cassandra Willis, was the second. Throughout my career, many people have believed in me and helped me to reach many goals. The owner and administrators at Rainbow Rising, as well as the director I worked with for over 7 years. The BOOST BLT has become one of my biggest supporters on this journey to return to school and further my career in family psychology.
What keeps you in the field?
I believe there will always be a child or youth who will need my help.
As you continue on the journey, what areas of leadership are you developing in yourself?
I am currently pursuing my Industrial-Organizational Psychology degree with a minor in Family Development. I will be applying for a dual master’s and doctorate program in family and marriage counseling.
What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this field?
Openness.
What would you recommend others pack in their “career backpack”? Why are those items important?
Respect, Kindness, Knowledge, and a Desire to Learn
Tell us about your BOOST adventure? When did you get started?
When I attended BOOST after COVID, I was introduced to Tia and some of her team by one of my administrative directors. During this time, I became interested in what it takes to run such a smooth and impactful conference.
What is the best mistake you have made in your career? What did you learn from it?
The best mistake I learned was to put work above all. This helped me grow in my skills for problem-solving and support.
Today, for breakfast, I had…
I had a croissant sandwich with potatoes.
Shanyce, from all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you for inviting us to explore the path you’ve traveled and journey alongside you. We are excited to see where the adventure will lead as you INSPIRE YOUTH, INSPIRE LEARNING, and INSPIRE CHANGE.
Meredith White
Shanyce!! Thank you for sharing your story, and particularly for sharing about your best mistake. I found myself really focusing on what balance means and how to actively pursue it without sacrifice. What you mentioned – that it increased your problem-solving and support skills – was a lightbulb moment for me. Together, in the collective, we can achieve and support our own balance and the balance of others. Thank you for this!
Grateful for you always! Meredith