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, Diana Carrillo (She/Her/Ella), to center stage! Thank you, Diana, 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 and Ambassador, Diana Carrillo (She/Her/Ella)
Diana is the Vice President of Programs for arc-experience in Los Angeles, CA, and is a proud BOOST Ambassador with BOOST Collaborative.
How do you ensure all staff/students are valued and represented in your programs?
At arc, we prioritize a listening campaign where we intentionally create time and a safe space for both staff and students to share their needs. This allows us to understand how we can better support them in realizing and reaching their full potential. Through this process, the arc leadership team gains valuable insights on how to serve our community more effectively.
What’s the most memorable or funny moment you’ve had while working with students?
A middle school student asked me if I was tired, because I had raccoon eyes. Best moment ever – I always remember her when I have raccoon eyes. HA!
What’s your go-to activity or game when you want to engage students and get them excited?
My go-to activity is to compliment/praise them. I will point out something very specific to who they are to let them know that I value them as an individual.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a student?
We can do this as a team!
How do you involve your students in the planning process?
We have leadership groups at each school that take the lead in working with their peers and school staff in planning programs for the school year.
How do you show gratitude and love to your students?
We celebrate our students every day, whether through daily praise and recognition or by hosting WOW events that highlight their achievements, big or small.
What impact do you hope to leave on the students you work with?
The impact I want to leave on our students is that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Believe that it’s possible, and with the work and dedication behind it, it becomes attainable.
What learning opportunities do you personally participate in in order to remain relevant and up-to-date on issues impacting your students?
I am involved in several working groups focused on youth well-being, and I actively engage with students in schools to listen to their concerns about both their present challenges and their future.
If you don’t work directly with students, what do you do to ensure that decisions made by your organization or by you personally will positively impact them?
We visit schools and engage with students on a weekly basis to maintain strong connections. Additionally, we host working groups and town hall meetings to keep the lines of communication open and ensure we stay connected with them.
Any advice for those who presently work with students in the field?
Don’t forget to tap into your inner child and embrace the silliness. Have fun with your students, and remember, you were their age once and made many of the same decisions they’re making now. Give them grace.
Today for breakfast I had…
Coffee with a Salvadorian Quesadilla.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Diana, for your leadership. We are grateful for your positive impact on youth, communities, and the field!