Monthly Archives: February 2009

It's All about the Attitude: The Importance of Young People


Posted by ajlovesya

Every month my development fellowship has a meeting to discuss what is happening at our schools. Yesterday, Dr. Timothy McNiff, the Superintendent of Schools for the New York Archdiocese, the largest Catholic School system in the country, attended our meeting to hear our experiences. At the end of the meeting, he offered some words of encouragement:

“If there is one thing we learned from Obama’s State of the Union Address is the importance of attitude. At the end of the day this is a people business and we are selling an attitude. Young people bring the vitality that is necessary to keep people focused and engaged. So don’t quit, stay the course, and kill them with kindness.”

Half the battle is changing people’s attitudes. From an educational perspective, when I work with students, getting them to believe that learning is important and there is a huge world outside of their community that is available to them is one of my first tasks. Of course there are real and tangible issues that affect our goals and beliefs. However, optimism requires you to see past your environment’s short comings and focus on opportunities.

In other words, we wouldn’t get very far if we didn’t believe that we could go very far.

When the optimism of young people is met with remarks that our positive attitudes are rooted in naivety, I wonder if these people ever reflect on how far they could’ve gone if they didn’t believe that they could and should achieve more. To echo the words of Rosetta Thurman, another emerging leader, “What if Somebody Had Told MLK He Couldn’t Lead?” After all he was only 26 years old when he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Optimism takes the shape of a movement when it’s on the ground floor:

  • Persistence: Staying committed to getting the job done regardless of what comes your way
  • Resourcefulness: Assessing and acquiring whatever is needed to get the job done
  • Collaboration: Working with others who share your vision

Of course,  more is necessary. Attitude, as I previously mentioned, is half the battle. But half is a pretty big portion. Instead of striking young people down, why not provide guidance? Why not discuss ideas and ways that they could be improved? Or why not let us learn by doing?


I'm in the New York Daily News!


Posted by ajlovesya

Today I am featured in the New York Daily News Budget Busters Series. I learned some tips and tricks on how to save a little over $2,000 a year, which will go straight into a savings account.  I have a hard time with long term savings (like creating an emergency fund) but am fine saving short term bigger purchases, like when I wanted to buy my laptop so this is a great way to jump start an emergency fund.

But what was really wonderful about the experience was learning how to get the most out of my money without necessarily spending more or less. It’s tough to stretch a dollar without sacrificing the little things you love so I really value this experience.

Please visit the NY Daily News for the full article.

For new readers directed to this blog through the story, I write about my experiences as a nonprofit newbie trying to make in NYC. Below are some of the popular posts on my blog that relate to the economy and finance—from both monetary and social perspectives, as well as some more information about myself and this blog.


Strengthening Your Network: Lessons from Obama's Party Style


Posted by ajlovesya

I came across this great article from Politico via Michelle Obama Watch about how the Obama’s frequently host informal gatherings with simple foods and limited discussions about politics in an attempt to “make sure organic relationships trump political maneuvering.”

When it comes to building your network, I very rarely hear discussions about the importance of developing genuine friendships. The emphasis is usually on seeing what resources you can each provide for each other. However, in reflecting on Obama’s approach to strengthening his circle, I wonder what are the professional benefits to developing organic friendships?

Your relationship will last longer: When you establish a common bond your relationship will have a solid foundation and will evolve over time. The best mentors and allies are those who make a commitment to you and your overall growth which takes time.

People learn more about your style: While we may try to separate work and life, in many ways work can be a reflection of who we are. In a genuine relationship you learn about how people work and what environments would be best to suit their talents. As a result when advice is given it can better match your talents and style.

You are forced to think about your goals: People who know you and are invested in you are more likely to hold you accountable and push you. No idea goes unchallenged or unquestioned so you always know you’re moving in the right direction.

How else can genuine friendships help you professionally?


The Blogger's Bucket List


Posted by ajlovesya

Passionista over at This is Dating (?) wrote a list of things bloggers should try to accomplish before “kicking the bucket.” Many of her favorite blogs had closed which prompted her to reflect on what she would like to accomplish if/when she decides to stop blogging.

However, I found her insights useful for growing as a blogger. Her list requires you to become more engaged and to appreciate your readers and fellow bloggers.  Here are here 10 goals:

1. Start or Join an online blogging community
2. Create and post at least one Vlog
3. Participate in at least one Blog Carnival and Blog Secret
4. Meet at least two bloggers in real life that you didn’t already know
5. Leave at least one meaningful comment on each blog you read
6. Win and give at least one Blog Award
7. Be a guest blogger
8. Create at least one contest or giveaway for your readers
9. Post at least one picture that you took yourself (they’re fun)
10. Experiment with more than one blog platform or buy your own domain name

I’ll add the following:

1. Highlight an organization or person you think is doing extraordinary work
2. Meet at least two readers you don’t already know
3. Invite someone to be a guest blogger
4. Do a series
5. Participate in or start a blog challenge

What would you add?


Gearing Up for the NYC Twestival


Posted by ajlovesya
  • Diarrhea is the second largest cause of child mortality.
  • A five minute shower uses 10-25 gallons of water.
  • On average, women in Africa and Asia walk 3.7 miles a day to collect water.
  • America uses 408 billion gallons of water a day.
  • A child dies every 15 seconds of a waterborne disease.
  • 80% or all sickness in the developing world is due to water-related disease.

From NYC Twestival

These stats are the motivation behind the work of charity:water a nonprofit that brings clean and safe drinking water to developing nations.  In various cities around the world today people will come together to learn, give, and celebrate.

twestival-logo1This couldnt come at a better time.  On a personal level, learning about water scarcity and it’s economic and social impact helps me reevaluate my own privilege having grown up with clean water.  On a professional level, I am excited to participate in another example of social media being used for social change even as various people question its efficiency.

I look forward to sharing my reflections and hearing yours.  If you are going to be at a twestival tonight, please tweet or blog your experiences!