Interesting Things of My First Week YSEALI Professional Program

in front of US Capitol, Washington DC

Being selected as one of six Indonesia participants for Economic Development Cohort YSEALI Professional Program fall 2015 is a wonderful moment. This program provides participants a month-long fellowship to work with community leaders to improve participants’ leadership expertise. 

YSEALI Professional Fellows for fall 2015

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I get a great chance to work with my amazing supervisor, Ms. Maurae L. Gilbert McCants at Little Black Pearl Art and Design Centre. It is located in 1060 East 47^th street, Chicago, Illinois.

First meeting with Ms. Maurae (left side of mine)

Here is a little information about Little Black Pearl (cited by Little Black Pearl website)

Little Black Pearl (LBP) is a thriving nonprofit serving youth in the Kenwood/Oakland, Woodlawn, and Bronzeville neighborhoods on Chicago’s south side. Firmly rooted in the black community, as the population has changed, so has Little Black Pearl by working with an increasingly diverse youth population and adding curriculum and services for adults and families.

LBP works diligently to counter the challenges urban youth face by providing a safe environment, positive role models, and rigorous program and skill development activities and opportunities. At Little Black Pearl, youth feel safe and open to exploring, expressing and challenging their ideas and feelings through art.

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My first week fellowship is going well at LBP. It is full of surprises for me. First day when I came, while waiting for my supervisor, the security told me “this is school”. I answered  “as I read on website, LBP is nonprofit organization, but let me ask my supervisor.” Then, the security was busy to check the students’ stuffs.  Thirty minutes later, my supervisor came. We had very great first meeting. She accompanied me to go around Little Black Pearl which has 2 floors and many rooms. She was patient to explain many things and answer many questions. 

In this first week, I came to drawing, jewelry, dance, mathematic and architecture class. I accompanied the teachers and assisted students to finish their work.  I also acquainted with some students. 

making unique earrings with Ms. Amerik

assisting Lechari (11th Grade) to draw her picture

after finishing jewelry class

Kennedy (11th Grade) was too happy to make bracelet for me

I am proud to introduce him. Brian, a young rapper from Chicago.

As I noted above, I got some interesting things here. Firstly, Little Black Pearl Art and Design Centre is high school which offers a unique learning environment. It is founded in collaboration with Little Black Pearl Workshop, the nonprofit organization as I understand. So, there are two places that I have to work with. They are Little Black Pearl Art and Design Centre Academy as the school and Little Black Pearl Aftershool Workshop as nonprofit organization. This change teaches me to strengthen leadership development because I have to be more open minded for every change that might be happen. Secondly, LBP system enables students to develop skills in academics, fine arts and technology. Thirdly, to be accepted in LBPA, the students’ candidate must demonstrate interest in at least one of the following: music, visual arts, performing arts and technology. Fourthly, There are many young talented leaders at LBP, even they are not accepted more in their previous school. LBP always believe they as young generation as hope of community. When I interviewed Mr. Chinnery as Architecture teacher, I was surprised because most of the students know how to design building. They learned this architecture so earlier, on my mind. In fact, they did it. I proved it when I came to Architecture Class. 

 

 

getting involved in Mathematic Class

getting involved in Architecture Class

There are many interesting things here. I also got many lessons during my first week. The most important lesson is to believe that every child or young generation has their own opportunity to get success.

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I have to fully thank to committees of YSEALI Professional Program, staffs of World Chicago, Ms. Maurae (supervisor) and Ms. Ellie (host-mother) and every staff at Little Black Pearl Art and Design Centre.