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You've spent the last few weeks studying the Herstory pedagogy as it applies to all teachers and counselors. This chapter will help you to shape your own way of allowing this work to be applicable to your special role as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist.

You have followed the work of Latashen Johnson-Lowe in previous chapters. Now listen to how she has shaped her own page one moment as part of her training to use her social work background and to work with high school students. Latashen shared bits of her story orally in the first weeks of working with her students before she read them the whole written piece. As you listen and think about the story that you started to write, think about which parts you might want to share in the process of beginning to build trust.

Now listen to the story of Carolina Perez, the school counselor who pioneered the use of Brave Journeys, fifteen stories by young people who crossed the southern border alone, in her work with newcomer students. As you listen, imagine that it is you who is sharing this with your students as a way of building connection and trust. Listen to her reading it first in Spanish, then in English.

Video coming soon!

Carolina en español

Video coming soon!

Carolina in English

Now we invite you to read the professional piece on her counseling work that accompanied her journey.

Socio-Emotional Support and
Brave Journeys / Pasos valientes

Carolina_Perez.jpg

In my experience working with immigrant youth, storytelling has been an essential aspect of helping students process their experiences. When in a group setting, storytelling builds comradery, and those who participate find support in others who share similar life experiences. It is important to be aware that some students may be dealing with the effects of trauma and such topics may induce emotional responses. I have found it helpful to always end a difficult discussion by asking students to discuss the reasons they migrated to the United States and help them highlight the newly found possibilities for their future...

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