David Rizzo’s Post

As parents, we want to give our children the best opportunities to succeed. But in today's rapidly changing world, is college still the only path to a fulfilling career? As successful professionals, we know that the traditional path isn't the only way to achieve success. Let's start a conversation in the comments below and explore the options available. #parenting #education #careeradvice

Empowering Young Minds: Blossom Program's "Life Skill Training Summer 2023" At HSCV, we are thrilled to share the remarkable outcomes of our recent project, the "Life Skill Training Summer 2023" as part of the Blossom Program. This initiative was designed to equip young minds, especially girls aged 11 to 14, with essential life skills to navigate the complexities of the modern world. 🔍 Program Highlights: 🌱 Life Skills for Holistic Development: The program encompassed a comprehensive curriculum, offering sessions on personal development, child abuse prevention, and career skills. Through engaging and interactive sessions, children acquired crucial skills that will empower them throughout their lives. 🤝 Collaboration for Impact: We joined hands with the Women's Union of Bac Tu Liem District and enthusiastic local officers, creating a supportive environment for the children. Together, we fostered trust, curiosity, and open communication, allowing participants to flourish. 📈 Positive Outcomes: The program not only witnessed enthusiastic participation but also resulted in a deep and lasting impact. Children learned about self-worth, anger management, personal hygiene, and the prevention of child sexual abuse. They honed their skills to seek support when needed, setting them on a path toward a brighter future. 🌐 Expanding Horizons: While celebrating our achievements, we recognize that there is always room for growth. We look forward to further collaboration opportunities, including partnerships with educational institutions and support centers. Our aim is to reach more children, parents, and teachers, collectively nurturing a generation of empowered young individuals. 🚀 A Brighter Future: We remain committed to expanding our program topics to address emerging challenges, including career guidance, internet safety, awareness of e-cigarettes and drugs, and environmental protection. We believe that equipping children with knowledge and skills is pivotal to their personal growth and well-being. 🌐 Access the Full Report: Dive deeper into the project's activities, achievements, and recommendations by accessing our full report: https://lnkd.in/gzjfgk8K Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our mission to empower young minds and shape a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference! 💪 #HSCV #BlossomProgram #EmpowerYoungMinds #LifeSkills #EducationForAll #TheBlossomEffect

"Surround yourself with people that you respect, who can make you smarter. Ask them to just dump their brain into your brain." How could we ever cram the force that is Evan Loh into 40 minutes? Add the brilliance of our student cohosts from Mr. Justin Devose's group at Legends Charter School - the roof was blown off our Zoom room! It's not every day that our students share the company of a person who has lived 2 lifetimes, but they were ready to fire their questions at will. They asked Evan, CEO of Paratek Pharmaceuticals and previous Chief of Cardiology at Penn, who has inspired him, what it's like working in the medical field, which colleges should they go to, and if he'd ever faced prejudice or racism in his career and quest for knowledge. In reverse order: 🌅 Everyday. He believes in this country as a meritocracy, but as members of the global majority, society will want to label you and not really see you. You have to choose when to fight. Respond - don't just react. If they say, "You're English is pretty good," sometimes you just say, "Yours is too." 😊 🥰 Go to a college that makes you happy. It's not really that big of a deal (He went to Harvard 😅). Go where you can enjoy yourself, learn how to be with other people, work hard, and study hard. Have fun with it. 🎖HONOR. It's a tremendous honor and privilege to work with someone to save their life or improve their life. 🌟 His parents were his first role models. They came here in their late 20s and assimilated into a culture that they were not born into. There are public figures whose examples we should ALL follow. Look at them and ponder, "What is their fiber made of?" Ask yourself, "Could I live my life that way." Bottom line: If you ever stop learning, go do something else. #lifelonglearning #medicalcareers #brightfuture #inspirational #globaldiversity

What do you value? It was this question that totally changed my life in 2021 when I quit a corporate job and launched into a year(+) of soul-searching to find what I was meant to be doing. I was burned out. I felt so lost. Aligning with my values helped me make some powerful decisions over the following months. Now, my values are present in everything that I do. I have healthy boundaries with work. I have space to explore my creativity. I'm a better husband, son, and friend. I even have time to play the piano. 😀 This is why Jen Vallieres and I created Forget The Rankings. We have found in our work with teenagers that we rarely talk about values. We've become hyper-obsessed as a society with where students go to college, not why. Join us in our new movement to change the college search. To promote wellness among students. Forget The Rankings with us. www.forgettherankings.com #collegecounseling #valuesdriven #collegeaccess #collegeadmission #schoolcounseling

At Star Students, we're not just teaching; we're shaping the future, one young mind at a time. Here's why families choose us for their children's educational journey: 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀: Every child is unique, with distinct strengths and interests. Our personalized approach ensures that learning is aligned with their individual needs, promoting growth and success in a way that feels natural and engaging. 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: We believe in the power of questions. Our inquiry-driven methods foster a love for learning, encouraging students to explore, ask, and think critically about the world around them. 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: At the heart of our curriculum is a commitment to nurturing not just academically proficient students, but also compassionate individuals. We instill values of integrity, empathy, and respect, preparing students to be responsible, contributing members of society. Let's redefine education together. Discover more about our innovative approach. Join us at Star Students, where your child's educational journey is guided by their curiosity, tailored to their needs, and rooted in core values. #FutureReady #InquiryDriven #ValuesBasedEducation #PersonalizedLearning #StarStudents

Care of your children Helping guide young people into fulfilling careers is such a valuable gift. As the next generation begins to navigate their professional paths, thoughtful guidance and wisdom shared can make all the difference. Whether through mentorship or career advising, supporting youth today ensures our future remains bright. When we take the time to understand their unique strengths and passions, better routes open up. For those unsure of their direction, a compassionate ear alleviates pressure. Reflecting on their interests outside work reveals untapped potential. Sometimes reassurance is all it takes to reignite drive. Connecting students with opportunities matching their specific skills and ambitions unleashes motivation. Observing their "lightbulb moments" of realization keeps the impact meaningful. Each new life embarking requires encouragement on their journey. Lending perspective from your own experiences navigates obstacles feeling surmountable. But the autonomy to choose their own adventure nourishes autonomy. How rewarding it is to see the seeds sown in eager minds blossom. To play a role in cultivating purpose-driven careers keeps our shared progress in bloom. The time gifted pays forward countless times over. For those who guide youth today - thank you. Your efforts ensure our future remains bright.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book FirstGen - A Memoir written by Alejandra Campoverdi. Whether it was her vivid description of the lonely hustle and breakaway guilt experienced during upward social mobility or the imposter plus experience felt in academic and professional spaces, I found connection and understanding with that shared experience, as would many first-generation college graduates and professionals (FirstGens). This is a great window into the challenges faced by colleagues from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, providing a clearer and realistic insight into social mobility in America. Thanks to Kimberly Jones, JD, CAE for the recommendation! Give it a read! #FirstGens #TRIOWorks FirstGens@State

🎓 Embracing the Journey of Social Work and Grad School 🎓 To all the dedicated souls as well as myself were on the path of social work and higher education, this one's for US! Grad school isn't just about textbooks and exams; it's a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As future social workers, you're choosing a path of profound impact and positive change in our communities. Your dedication is awe-inspiring and were in this TOGETHER! Remember, your pursuit of knowledge and growth will contribute to building a brighter, more inclusive world. The challenges you face today are shaping you into the compassionate and resilient professionals of tomorrow. Let's celebrate the late nights spent studying, the group projects that turned into lifelong friendships, and the aha moments that reshaped your perspectives. Determination is making a difference, one step at a time. Let's embrace the process, relish every milestone, and believe in our ability to create meaningful change. Our passion for social justice and commitment to service are the driving forces behind OUR individual journey. So here's to the late nights, the breakthroughs, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future. Keep reaching for the stars, because you're destined for greatness. The world needs more compassionate hearts like you and I. ❤️ #SocialWorkJourney #GradSchoolAdventures #CreatingChange

As I was leafing through old photos recently... I couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia. It's funny how looking at our younger selves can transport us back to those pivotal moments in our student affairs journey. Each snapshot encapsulates a time of growth, challenges, and learning that have shaped us into the professionals we are today. But let's be real – those snapshots don't always tell the whole story, do they? Behind the smiles and growth, there were moments of uncertainty and moments when happiness seemed hard to find. Yet, here we are, wiser than ever before because of it all. Our minds can trick us into viewing the past through a rosy lens. Sometimes we long for the person we were back then, forgetting the struggles we faced. But these moments are essential – they remind us of the progress we've made, the hurdles we've jumped, and the knowledge we've gained. In student affairs and higher ed, where we dedicate ourselves to the growth and development of students, it's crucial to remember that our own journey is just as important. Taking time to reflect on the past allows us to appreciate the present and inspires us to keep growing. So, here's to nostalgia and recognizing the beauty in our transformation. Share your thoughts: Have you recently stumbled upon an old memory that reminded you of your journey? Let's me know below! 👇 #StudentAffairs #HigherEd #ReflectAndGrow #NostalgiaInTheJourney

In Honor of #firstgeneration week. Here is a letter to my fellow First Generation Professionals. First-Generation Professional, I want to start by acknowledging the incredible journey you’ve embarked upon. As a fellow first-generation professional, I understand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this path. Your determination and resilience are truly commendable. You are a trailblazer, breaking through barriers and creating a brighter future not only for yourself but for the generations that follow. Your accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others who may face similar obstacles. I know that the road hasn’t always been easy. The lack of a roadmap, the financial challenges, and the self-doubt may have been daunting. But remember, it’s these very challenges that have shaped you into the resilient and resourceful individual you are today. Your experiences have immense value. They provide you with a perspective that is both unique and invaluable. Use your story to empower others, to show them that despite the odds, success is possible. Mentor, support, and uplift those who are just beginning their journey as first-generation professionals. As you continue to forge your path, keep setting goals, keep learning, and keep pushing your boundaries. Your potential knows no limits. And with each step you take, you are not only fulfilling your own dreams but also paving the way for others to dream bigger. You are a beacon of hope and a symbol of what can be achieved through determination and hard work. Embrace your first-generation identity, for it is a source of strength and resilience. Know that you are not alone on this journey, and there is a community of like-minded individuals who stand beside you. Here’s to your continued success and to the impact you will undoubtedly make in the lives of future generations. With admiration and solidarity, Kimberly Howard MSW, CAPSW #firstgenerationcollegestudent #firstgenday #collegestudents #firstgenerationcollegestudent #firstgenerationcollegestudents