Protecting Our Boys: Break The Silence, Educate The Community

EDITOR’S NOTE:

At GET DOWN, where we seek to empower youths with information to enable them to make better decisions about their sexual behavior, it begs the question:  What if the power to make decisions about their own bodies is taken away?  And, by an adult authority figure who they trust no less?  What then?  In a series of blogs, we will take a closer look at the recent spate of scandals and the deeper issue of protecting our boys. 

In the past year, the Bishop Eddie Long lawsuits, Penn State’s Sandusky, Syracuse’s Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Fine and the long ago hushed up Boston Red Sox Fitzpatrick sex abuse scandal all captured the headlines.  The same issues have put the Catholic church under the microscope for years.  Enough!  As a father of two young boys, it’s my job to protect them, sometimes from the same authority figures I’ve entrusted their safety to, even if for a few hours a day.

Jerry Sandusky, a retired defensive coordinator for Penn State’s Division I college football program, was recently indicted by a grand jury of on 40 counts of sex crimes against young boys.  This on the heels of a three-year investigation that alleges Sandusky used his Second Mile youth charity as a means of finding future victims.  Two witnesses, including now assistant coach Mike McQueary (put on administrative leave), stated that he witnessed an abusive incidents, where Sandusky was allegedly raping a boy on the property of Penn State.  To me, Sandusky misused his influence, power & authority to sexually abuse and prey on several young boys.  The amount of people impacted by his abuse of power and his unhealthy behaviors is proof enough that there was and is a serious problem —that a number of people who worked with him and were in authority to make some real changes and protect the innocent failed to do so.

As a clinical professional it's my job to develop healthy and productive relationships, inform students and adult educators, and be an advocate and ready to listen and help when needed.  It is often difficult for young people to come forward and or to be believed, especially males.  When a victim feels safe and secure to share the problem then they will.  I tell students and staff a like that the problem can get solved in the healthiest least harmful way when the victim of the abuse, crime, violence feels safe enough to tell people he/she trusts.  The earlier, the better.  

So what can we do as a community?  In my professional experience as a social worker, first the victim is supported and encouraged to take their power back from the perpetrator and reduce emotional, mental, and physical harm to him or herself.  Second, the community needs to be proactive and have resources and education about abuse of power built into every educational setting at both the parental level and that of youths.  Third, teach young people not to keep it a secret.  Telling a third party in a position to help.  Empower them with information on where to go and who to call. There are organizations like Joe Torre Safe-At-Home Foundation, Safe Horizon and others.  When a perpetrator commits abuse, he or she (and sometimes more than one person) is abusing their power and is using unhealthy control over you.  By keeping what happened a secret it makes it easier for them to do it again to you and or others. By communicating right away you can help yourself be safe and you can help them stop being unhealthy & abusive.

There are a few ways to communicate what’s going on with a young person.  They are writing, talking and if the age of the victim deems appropriate, drawing.  Here are some questions that are typically asked and points shared by an expert in sexual abuse cases:

Was this the first time you are touched in an uncomfortable, intimate, or sexual way?  When you feel uncomfortable about your relationship with an adult or older person please let them know right away you do not want to participate.  Second, by all means if you feel uncomfortable don't go or be near them.  Don't be left alone with this person ever.  You have to tell someone.

Write down or document when the problem started or when it happened.  Do that right away.  If there's any talk using technology (chat rooms, social networks, cell phone records, emails, text messages), that could be evidence or proof of he/she preying on, keep it.  This can be strong proof and it will help the person or organization who is a position to help know the details of the problem.

Are you having confusing feelings about an uncomfortable experience and are not sure if you are being preyed on?  If you are having confusing feelings, and are not sure if someone is being inappropriate, talk to someone who is an expert on it.  Ensure that is someone neutral and the discussion should happen within a safe, professional environment.

What is a “Neutral” person?  Someone who is trained to hear what you are saying without any bias.  This person is an advocate for you.  This advocate can help you talk to your parents and get the help you need.  It can be difficult for parents to hear this; especially if it is someone they know or a member of the family.  This is why a neutral trained person is the best help. 

Can you speak with a doctor or nurse first?  When you are sick you go to the doctor or the nurse, right? Ask that person what resources they have.  They can help refer to to the right person or organization that can help.

What can parents do?  Our job is to learn about the world we live in and help empower them to get through the good, the bad, and the ugly.  The more we are informed the more they are.  The truth can be difficult, especially if the abuse exists within one’s own family.  Sometimes a neutral party or person can help advocate for you and your child.  Parents and guardians needed a support system also.  If you are the parent of am abuse victim, there are resources for you also.

Even a strong bond of trust between you and your child can be broken when a crisis or trauma happens so seek a support system, group or form of therapy that works best for you.  Being strong requires getting through it to survive instead of being the victim.  Breaking the code of silence that protects abuse of power or evil is good and right.  Breaking the code of silence requires brave and wise people who want safety for all! 

Abuse of power and unhealthy behaviors is part of the human experience it won't be solved or changed until we all get informed and get educated and become pro-active and healthier. 

I recommend the following websites for more info:

www.joetorre.com

www.wjcs.com

www.loveisnotabuse.com

www.acalltomen.org

www.safehorizon.com

--Amir Thornell

GET DOWN Blogger, Parent and Life Student

MSW at Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation & WJCS

thelifestudentblog1@gmail.com

Photo: bee-media.blogspot.com

The Ugly Duckling, the Tortoise, and the Early Bird, Part 2

The Ugly Duckling, the Tortoise, and the Early Bird, Part 2
Preventing HIV & Aids by Preparing & Investing in Your Future Early!

Young people have been trying to be grown as long as I can remember. I think what's so scary nowadays is that there's much excess here in America (as well as any urbanized or metropolitan area of the world's biggest cities). Today's generation and society is way more complicated- and will continue too. This is the fear and the reality that my generation realizes- and some of us fight hard to equip this generation and the next with the skills and abilities to compete and get their equal share of life.

Being sexy for image or popularity sake, sex, love, diseases, and getting pregnant are all adult activities and concerns – or should be. If someone of a youthful age is practicing in those things, usually means they’ve to moved too quickly into something they are not prepared for. Sometimes it can also mean they’ve not figured out who they are yet and what their life’s goals are. Sometimes just being unsure, can open the door to being lead in wrong direction.

Peer groups often socially pressure individuals to conform or adapt to group think. I currently work at a middle school (and have worked with youth for years). At my school I have observed what makes certain students do well and not do well. I came up with four archetypes based on my observations of youth social cliques who are successful in life or in school settings. Basically, my approach is looking at five types of cliques that have healthy self-esteem and goals to succeed and compete through life. Thus being busy and having found purpose they have less time to be sexually active early. All of them require strong self-discipline and focus. The fifth type is a combination of 1-4.

1. the Talented - These kids have been told (by loved ones or themselves that they are good at- ) and or they find their niche, the passion, their talent (what they are good at) early (in life) and stick to it like glue- not allowing anything to distract them or get in their way. They often socialize with like-minded people. Can be sometimes labeled as the 'it' crowd or the 'cool crowd. Everybody wants to be like them; however this group really does work hard at what they do. Academics, sports, hobbies, social groups, etc.

2. the Independent, the Non-Conformist – Although they may be “labeled” as other, an 'outcast', a the rebel, or social misfit; they are just fine in their own skin and aren't in a rush to be 'cool'. As such, they are not pressured to perform or live up to an ideal (beauty, popular, dating expectations, etc.) The key to this individual being positive and or productive is that they may require more self-control and or self-esteem to be able to maintain their inner strength to not be 'normal' or fall in to the 'it' crowd. Underground or alternative cultures are their activity usually.

3. the Traditionalists - He or she waits for the person who is suitable or worthy of him or her and takes their time to explore their sexuality. Unlike the other three types- this person or people have made a inner or personal choice to wait to explore their sexuality. The other three use their activities or outer expression to focus their life. This one has taken a moral obligation to wait.

4. the Loyalist, the Tribe, the clan member - they have strong parents or and or a big family. The family does everything together. Most social activities are family centered. A strong sense of sticking together is valued here. Family business, family goals are clear, etc. Often these are newly immigrated people. The family protects them from negative and or unfamiliar people and influences so that if and when he/she makes a mistake parent or family helps rescue or protect them from further harm or mistake.

5. the Hybrid- this individual or group is a combination of one or more of these choices and personality types. They have qualities of one or more of the above. I would say depending on the age and or maturity that a lot of young people fall in and out of this group all the way into adult life. Because the above four take a lot of will-power and inner-strength; many of us might not have been born talented but have the interest or the passion. . Let's face young people and humans in general are constantly growing and changing.

These are simplified categories or groups, I know, but where I work I see these groups everyday. When you go to a job, there are similar behaviors and types of people there too! Especially when the numbers grow. The bigger the population the more fragmented or cliquish humans can become. And the more you can get lost and want to identify yourself more.

Yes, sex and violence is power and pays. However the younger you get sexually involved and or over emphasis your physical appearance, the easier you can get exploited by someone older, smarter, and wiser. You may get paid and famous; you might stand out- but beauty is not long term. Over emphasis on outward beauty can be expensive and detrimental to your inner beauty. The above four success groups focus on their inner selves first and their outer selves second.

Take care of your body and be careful with whom you share your body. Sharing your body is like sharing your personal information - the more your name, phone number, address, is out there more you are vulnerable to misuse. Same with your mind and spirit.…If you give those away and or share it freely too soon then it says something about your self-identity and your possible lack of future planning.This is why the above four types do so well. Because they seldom have time to worry about that and they are personally invested in what's inside them that makes them special.

The world you have yet to encounter is vast and glorious, yes, and the entertainment industry is there to magnify the sexiest parts of it for profit. It is often the way society glorifies success to young people- this is the illusion. However, having a life plan, you can take in all the world has to offer – protecting yourself along the way!


Hey, protect your mind, body, and spirit, here's some parting tips-

1. Realize your health and inner beauty, your inner well being is not an illusion…and neither is HIV & AIDS!

2. Think about what category you are in, and if none of the above, where you may need additional support in your life..then seek it out!

3. Learn the difference between perception and reality and never compromise your body for the sake of fitting in or being successful.

4. Ask yourself this: If you would not give that “special person” all of your personal banking information, then ask yourself are they “special” enough to give your body to before you have sex?

5. Tap into your inner strength- Know you are stronger than you think!


Love, Luck and Life!

Amir
The Life Student
thelifestudentblog1@gmail.com


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The Ugly Duckling, the Tortoise, and the Early Bird, Part 1

The Ugly Duckling, the Tortoise, and the Early Bird, Part 1
Preventing HIV & Aids by Preparing & Investing in Your Future Early!

My wife has a big family. I don't. We are close to her sister's children and we recently had them stay with us and our kids. It’s always interesting seeing the changes kids go through. I often find kids lives way more interesting than adults. Recently I was talking with my nieces, ages 11 and 13, about their school and their hobbies, interests, etc. They said that their school didn't have a lot or resources i.e. basically no team sports sponsored by the school. I was amazed. These are two great girls - both smart and have a loving, big, family; and are tall. They like to be active. Their physical energy is not being utilized. Athletics in the school is very important. Keeping busy could keep them out of trouble and or proactive. I also realized that they are growing up and maybe will start to think about boys - God forbid. Bored and curious could move them into a negative direction - like engaging in sex too early.

A little later, my oldest niece told me she liked rap artist Nikki Minaj (like a lot of youth nowadays). Oh no, I think! Nikki Minaj's style is overly sexy and her image is provocative (just like Beyonce, Britney Spears, Pink, Rihanna, Lady Ga Ga to name a few). Her fashion sense is over the top and accentuates her womanly assets (My niece also informed me that Nikki is heavily influenced by Japanese 'baby doll' fashion/culture….).

Am I concerned for my nieces? Yes! Why? Why wouldn't I be? Is this entertainer influencing my niece? Maybe. Is there anything else going on I don't know? Possibly. Will they tell me? Not sure? Mind you I don't see her a lot; which also is why I wanna know. But we have a good, usually open and honest relationship. Both girls are honest and friendly and we have many good conversations. This is good. Does this mean my niece or any other young person will be just like Nikki if they listen to her? No! However, as some of us know, if someone is bored with life or don't know what they are good at, then provocative entertainers/entertainment could influence the individual (and parts of communities) too behave and or think in unhealthy ways.

I think my nieces are “Neutral”. I define “Neutral” as being undecided for a period of time or until persuaded otherwise. “Neutral” kids have a sense of self but aren't necessarily driven by or have invested purpose or activity. They are also not necessarily “bad” or “problematic” kids (nihilistic, lost souls who have no empathy or care for life), however the danger in being too neutral is that peer pressure or outside sources (media, etc.) may influence them and they don't even know it, or these “forces that be” may move them into a negative direction. Now being confused, “Neutral” , or undecisive is characteristic of pre-teen behavior and that's normal.

How do I know this? I was once a kid, a teenager. I was rebellious but also an independent thinker but sometimes I fell into peer pressure. Coffee! At first taste it is nasty. Caffeine is a legal drug. It gives you energy. Starbucks are everywhere. You see everyone with a cup of joe in their hand walking down the street. Even teenagers. You say to yourself they look happy. At some point you might go in and try it. Eight years later, trying to keep up with young people, I am a habitual coffee drinker. See where I'm getting at? Cursing or curse words are provocative. It has somehow broken society down and made it’s way into popular culture and TV.

Books and moral messages have to compete with music videos, cartoons, commercials, movies, marketing everywhere. In my title I pull from various classic children's stories. The animals (in the stories) learn something as they grow. The animals or the stories symbolize innocence and a simpler life. All of the animals face a personal challenge. In the process, each animal determined, focused, and patient in the end get to their destination/goals! Or in the case of the early bird, pre-planning gets the bird ahead of the crowd. So each animal (in it’s story) knows it’s goals and purpose to achieve what they have to. The animal might not be popular or cool but in the long term they get to where they gotta go in life. Along the way, the tortoise doesn't get distracted or side-tracked by his ego or vanity or the fame of being “fast” like the rabbit does.

Often in our current society, innocence is lost and messages are blurred or confused because there's so much access. Access via the internet or TV or cable. It is hard for family; for a parent; for an uncle/dad like me to insulate and protect family; protect and empower our children. Fortunately my nieces are part of a tight, big family that can be protective and insulating (a lot of family activities and a lot of family near by). Family can help protect innocence and share empowering messages to our children.

Here's some good news and possible hope - Kaiser Family Foundation found in their 2003 study that:

Among teens aged 15-17 who have never had sexual intercourse, 94 percent said that concern about pregnancy influenced their decision to wait. Similar numbers said that concern about HIV/AIDS (92%), other STDs (92%) and feeling ‘too young’ (91%) contributed to their choice.

We want our children and our family to grow and become less “Neutral” - minded and become independent thinkers with a stronger sense of self-purpose and future-oriented thinking. I learned from my nieces that day, that I have to take the time to listen to them, hear what they are saying. I have to support their interests. Ask questions after I have heard what they have said. Be less critical and or look for the positive within but also be aware of the negatives. Be open to discuss or hear the provocative.

I want share with the children I know the skills needed to lead themselves into the right direction and ways they can protect themselves from being led into the wrong direction! Are you?


Lots of Love and Respect!
Amir Thornell
The Life Student
thelifestudentblog1@gmail.com


To Be Continued Friday, August 20th...


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OVERABUNDANCE OF MALE SEX HATE

(Image via scrapetv.com)

Males, men have to step up, regardless of sexual orientation, and pro-actively change how we impact our relationships and society with healthier sexual thinking and behavior!

I am frustrated, pissed, angry! Why you ask? To whom you ask? I am talking about the increase in cases involving mostly men who are out of control and expressing their anger, hate, via violent, destructive, and impulsive behaviors/actions towards loved ones. These men think they can, or think they have the right to, abuse and commit violence on others. We live in a society that supports this behavior until its' too late or until the monster (the behavior or actions out of control) is so ugly that we are repulsed. Although there are many nameless cases that we never hear about, it’s the more “famous names” that the media often bring to light has the example. Is it me or in 2009 - 2010, the amount of celebrities and non-celebrities involved in domestic (physical, emotional) abuse, humiliation, and sexual violence has increased tremendously?

Chris Brown (Rihanna) Lawrence Taylor (16 year old girl), Tiger Woods (his wife, several women), Jesse James (Sandra Bullock), George Huguely (Yeardley Love), the infamous Duke University Lacrosse team case (who created an environment where a stripper could even accuse them of rape) are just a few high profile cases that have sex as the common denominator in the unhealthy relationships.

I am pissed because the community and loved ones of the above men and other less profile men- haven't done their job as well. The people around them have let these behaviors grow and get to this point. And when it happens people, the community or society, are ready to crucify someone.

Last week, I was reading a NY Post article on the Lawrence Taylor case when I came across in the comments some ignorant views that give proof of more education needed for people about domestic violence, and hatred toward women:

The Dude
05/10/2010 3:54 AM

“There will always be ‘Hos’ around (it's female nature) but at least without these pimps you won't have girls forced into it, although there probably are female pimps too and females who manage Ho houses.”

However when I went back to the Post to write this, I was pleasantly surprised. Other readers commented to the above reader. Proof that others are thinking what I am thinking-

Kyle
05/10/2010 1:16 AM

“The Dude - you seem overly concerned about LT. Why is that? There is a convicted murderer preying on young runaways. Shouldn't people be more worried about that? Sheesh. This is why NY is so &*&% up. So many people bashing this young, lost girl and worrying about whether LT will have to face charges. 

She already came forward to say that LT did not hit her and that she told him she was 19. She called the cops on the pimp. NOT LT. LT already admitted that he ordered a prostitute. Let him take his lumps. 

This reminds me of the girl who was sodomized and murdered by a bouncer and all people could say is that she shouldn't have been in a bar drunk by herself.”

A lot of what we do — we meaning males — revolves around sex or the idea of sex. A lot of what we do that gets us into trouble is around or about sex. (Ladies you are not totally off the hook- there are a lot of women who are also violent and or who support violent men).

However statistics show that there is an overwhelming amount of women being victims of violence verse men. In addition, men or males are taught violence from an early age where women or girls are not as indoctrinated to violence, adventure, action, etc.

(I have two boys I know. It is a challenge to keep them balanced and healthy. It's a challenge for me, too.)

Here are some stats:

-According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, which includes crimes that were not reported to the police, 232,960 women in the U.S. were raped or sexually assaulted in 2006. That's more than 600 women every day.

-17.6 % of women in the United States have survived a completed or attempted rape. Of these, 21.6% were younger than age 12 when they were first raped, and 32.4% were between the ages of 12 and 17. (Full Report of the Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women, Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey, November, 2000)

-64% of women who reported being raped, physically assaulted, and/or stalked since age 18 were victimized by a current or former husband, cohabiting partner, boyfriend, or date. (Full Report of the Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women, Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey, November, 2000)

-When we consider race, we see that African-American women face higher rates of domestic violence than white women, and American-Indian women are victimized at a rate more than double that of women of other races.

Sex or sexual energy is power. Energy is power. Man on man, man on woman, boy on girl, girl on girl, etc. In that couple or that relationship there is a dynamic that contains an exchange of power. One gives the other takes or in a healthy relationship it is shared. It is how you control your power that makes us human and above animals.

Male lions just run up and fight a lioness then have sex. The male lion walks away. Their sexual dynamic is violent. But they are after all wild animals. Are we animals? No!

So I have your eyes and your mind right now. What's next? Glad you asked. A lot of what I have addressed is covered in more detail below. This Life Student leaves you with this bit of valuable information — below is a list of ten things that men can do to be pro-active in not only protecting women (daughters, sisters, wives, mothers) but also our friends but also protecting society and ourselves. Protect by changing, informing, standing up, being aware! Why re-invent the wheel when a resource has so eloquently spelled it out!

The list is from the Call To Men (info@acalltomen.org), an awesome organization that works with many individuals, groups, programs, agencies, and business to talk about and empower males to bring about healthier thinking, behavior, and lifestyles. There exist similar organizations for those males (or females) in same sex relationships and experiencing similar issues such as Safe Horizon (www.safehorizon.org) at 1-800-621-4673 and in New York the Gay Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (www.avp.org) at 212-714-1141.

10 Things Men Can Do In Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention

1. Acknowledge and understand how male dominance and aspects of unhealthy manhood are at the foundation domestic and sexual violence.

2. Examine and challenge our individual beliefs and the role that we play in supporting men who are abusive.

3. Recognize and stop colluding with other men by getting out of our socially defined roles, and take a stance to prevent domestic and sexual violence.

4. Remember that our silence is affirming. When we choose not to speak out against domestic and sexual violence, we are supporting it.

5. Educate and re-educate our sons and other young men about our responsibility in preventing domestic and sexual violence.

6."Break out of the man box"- Challenge traditional images of manhood that stop us from actively taking a stand in domestic and sexual violence prevention.

7. Accept and own our responsibility that domestic and sexual violence will not end until men become part of the solution to end it. We must take an active role in creating a cultural and social shift that no longer tolerates violence and discrimination against women and girls.

8. Stop supporting the notion that domestic and sexual violence is due to mental illness, lack of anger management skills, chemical dependency, stress, etc… Domestic and sexual violence is rooted in male dominance and the socialization of men.

9. Take responsibility for creating appropriate and effective ways to educate and raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence prevention.

10. Create responsible and accountable men's initiatives in your community to support domestic and sexual violence prevention.

Copyright © 2004, ACT Men Inc. All rights
info@acalltomen.org


So ladies and gentleman, please like the reader/commenter- Kyle- be a life student. Oh and by the way- I am calm now. I turned by anger and frustration into action- I used my voice. Be active speak out and stand up. Society has to change and the Life Student is willing to lead the way- by example!

You can read more of the NY Post article on Lawrence Taylor:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/locallt_gal_text_cry_for_help_obAVWPKSJC7a90qwTro85H


Amir Thornell
The Life Student
thelifestudentblog1@gmail.com





GET DOWN says: Life Student, this is powerful stuff. Note: the World Health Organization has done extensive research on the link between intimate partner violence (and violence against women) and HIV globally. Here are two links, check it out:

http://www.who.int/gender/violence/en/vawinformationbrief.pdf

http://www.genderandaids.org/downloads/topics/VAW%20HIV%20report.pdf


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STAND UP POSITIVE PEOPLE!!!! TOOT YOUR OWN HORN!

I don't know about you but the war between good & evil is having a devastating effect on the minds of not only our young but our families as well. It seems like negativity has infiltrated and taken root in too many peoples' minds. Too many of us have allowed or settled for truly mediocre or half positive leaders or temporary role models when in fact people - we need to be our own role models, our own leaders! Hence the title - Stand up, Shout Yourself Out, Be the Positive Example. Lead yourself and influence others in your immediate community! Don't wait on only celebrities or public figures to do it for us. And don't focus only on the celebrity. One of the secrets to success is that successful people focus on the work; they focus on their passion, their talent, their skill. And when they are doing well and or are focused - they 'toot their horn'!


Two great and wise women, who I call friends (and former co-workers) once told me “you’ve got to 'toot your horn' sometimes”. Sometimes you’ve got to remind people what you're worth. This was when I had reached a certain level where I used to work and I 'tooted my horn' by showing others or reminded them how far I came and or how much I have done (gave evidence); so when I was ready to do more or give more or do something different I had proof! So often, the ignorant, the needy, the arrogant, and the dramatic eat up people's time and efforts! While often the humble who are doing the right thing get overshadowed by the people who hog the limelight; they have charmed their way into our attention. The priorities of our society have been compromised - you see it everywhere, from Tiger Woods to Jesse James to violent crimes committed in our schools. These are the stories that get the most attention in the media. It might lead those of us with lower self-esteem to emulate these behaviors in order the gain attention they might not receive for doing something positive.


While some people don’t necessarily need the limelight, however, we do need to take back the minds of our people easily influenced and lead astray. Let’s make inner success and inner development priority (see future blog for more). Positive people strategize, collaborate, and coalition with other like-minded people to get your good work noticed. Who doesn't like a good champion? Good people have supporters, like Kevin Powell for instance, who is running for Congress in Brooklyn, NY (yes, I am plugging!).


I am no expert, but based on my personal and professional experience, I have tried to be a good “coach” figure and inspiring force for youth over the years. I am passionate, productive, and positive! I am combating stereotypes and prejudices by fighting the good fight & shouting the small positive things young people do to inspire them while also challenging them to do better. Like others who are also trying to inspire change (who just so happen to be celebrities) such as Wyclef and Mary J Blige, I have found my niche; found a place to be good at what I do. I also have found ways to inspire others to do good for themselves. No matter who you are, what age you are, or your circumstances, YOU CAN DO THE SAME!


How do you measure “each one teach one”? When that person you inspire comes back to you for more or begin to learn themselves! The truly positive & productive keep on doing what they do! It is a game of strategy & balance knowing when to toot your horn at the right time. Back to helping others - when you help them feel inspired then they also will be willing to change and see the good in themselves. Just maybe, sometimes, they will give you a shout out (toot your horn).


So as I wrap up, what have you done good today? What change have you made in your self, your family, your community? Tell me! I want to know!


Mr. T. Out! Until next time be a life student! Study everything around you like it's money!!!


Amir Thornell
The Life Student
thelifestudentblog1@gmail.com



GET DOWN says, the most positive thing you can do, starts with loving yourself enough to get tested.


We at GET DOWN look forward to more from “The Life Student”. What are your thoughts??


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