Connection is Key to Student Engagement!
In this collaborative blog series, TEAMBOOST asked leaders in the youth development field how they build student connection in their program environments. Healthy and authentic relationships are important to positive youth outcomes, and TEAMBOOST is proud to spotlight the expertise of our BOOST Leadership Team Members, BOOST Ambassadors, and BOOST Partners in the Student Connection blog series!
Welcome, Christina Green (She/Her), to center stage! Thank you, Christina, for sharing your experience with current and future generations of youth development professionals. We appreciate you!
A Conversation about Student Connection and Cultivating Strong Relationships with our BOOST Partner, Christina Green (She/Her)
Christina is the Afterschool Coordinator for Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) in Oakland, CA.
How do you ensure all staff/students are valued and represented in your programs?
Our program is built by our staff and students For Us By US! Without them, it simply wouldn’t exist.
Student input is at the heart of everything we do, and we prioritize creating a space where their voices are heard, their ideas are embraced, and their diverse cultures are celebrated.
We take pride in highlighting student culture and ensuring that every individual feels valued. Equally important is our staff voice; we collaborate, share ideas, and support each other as one unified family. Together, we create a community-driven program where everyone plays a vital role in shaping its success.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while working with students?
Where do I even begin? There are so many memorable moments! I’ve been working with the youth in my community since I was 14, and every experience has been special in its own way. But if I had to choose one standout moment, it would be the production of our Broadway-inspired show, The Wiz. We poured our heart and soul into that production with absolutely no budget – we fundraised, relied on donations, and truly made something magical happen.
Our students were phenomenal! Many of them had little to no acting experience, yet they shined brighter than the stars. Seeing their confidence grow and watching their hard work pay off was unforgettable. The students took charge of everything – lighting, set changes, costumes, props, and design. It was a community-driven project that brought our vision to life in a way that words can’t fully capture. I even made a guest appearance as one of the singing crows!
We had two sold-out shows that year, and several of our students went on to pursue acting in high school. It was an experience that will stay with me forever — proof of what can happen when passion, teamwork, and determination come together.
What’s your go-to activity or game when you want to engage students and get them excited?
Working with middle school students definitely has its challenges when it comes to engagement – anyone who’s worked with this age group knows the struggle! But one thing I’ve learned is that music is the key to their hearts. My students absolutely love anything involving music, so our go-to activities often include dance competitions, talent shows, or music-based games. These activities not only get them moving and excited but also allow them to express themselves and build confidence in a fun and positive way. Music brings energy to the room, and it’s always a guaranteed way to get them engaged and connected!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a student?
Don’t change who you are because you’re already amazing!
How do you involve your students in the planning process?
Involving students in the planning process is essential because it gives them ownership and a sense of pride in what we create together. I always make sure their voices are heard by asking for their ideas, feedback, and suggestions during brainstorming sessions. Whether it’s planning events, activities, or performances, I encourage students to take the lead on specific tasks.
How do you show gratitude and love to your students?
Showing my students that they are loved and appreciated is my top priority every single day.
Many of my kids come from tough environments where love and encouragement aren’t always guaranteed at home, so I strive to create a space where they feel valued and supported for exactly who they are. I make it a point to recognize their efforts big or small by celebrating their accomplishments and highlighting their unique strengths. It’s about making sure they know they matter. I also throw in one of their favorite snacks as the icing on the cake!
What impact do you hope to leave on the students you work with?
I hope to leave my students with a lasting sense of self-worth, confidence, and the belief that they are capable of achieving greatness, no matter their circumstances. I want them to know they have the power to break barriers, chase their dreams, and create their own success stories. Beyond academics or performances, my goal is to instill values of resilience, empathy, and leadership.
I hope they remember that someone genuinely believed in them – that they were valued and loved. If I can help them realize their potential and inspire them to be proud of who they are, then I know l’ve made an impact that will stay with them for a lifetime.
What learning opportunities do you personally participate in in order to remain relevant and up-to-date on issues impacting your students?
I’m part of a cohort called Rise East, a powerful 10-year collective effort focused on creating deep, lasting improvements in the health and well-being of Black children and families in East Oakland. Through this initiative, we engage in learning, advocacy, and community-building to address the systemic issues impacting our youth. The work we do is rooted in the belief that when we rise, we create a tide that uplifts not just individuals, but the entire community. Now is our time to rise! Being part of this movement keeps me grounded, informed, and inspired to better serve my students and their families every day.
Any advice for those who presently work with students in the field?
My advice for anyone working with students is to remember that you can’t save everyone – but if you help change even one life, that’s an accomplishment you should be deeply proud of. The work we do may not always show immediate results, but every positive interaction, every word of encouragement, and every act of support plants a seed that can grow over time.
Today for breakfast I had…
Since I’m intermittent fasting I didn’t eat my first meal until 12pm. But as my mom would say if we didn’t eat physical food, we had air custard wind pudding with a slice of nothing! Yummy!
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Christina, for your leadership. We are grateful for your positive impact on youth, communities, and the field!