Self-awareness and confidence
"My name is Frank, but you can call me Frankie, because you are much older." Those were the words of an 8-year-old we met at our campsite last weekend. We went camping at a Hip camp that was owned by
a farmer. The family set aside a part of their pasture to let people camp. It was quiet, and beautiful and perfect for a few days away. Frank came with his mom, who needed to check on something at the campsite. So, he opened the gate and then just stayed with us while Mom was doing her thing. Frank was sitting barefoot on a log, sharing confidently about himself, including how he helps on the farm, how they handle dead animals, his grade level, and much more. This 5-minute interaction was delightful, and as his mom came back, he hopped off the log, his blond, long, curly hair bouncing with every skip. He went on to open the gate for Mom and hang on the side of the truck so he could close it after her. It
made us smile.
But this interaction reminded me of the young people we get to work with. They often lack the
confidence to discuss everyday things with an adult. They lack self-awareness of who they are. They don't have the experience of to share what is going on in their lives. That is why we need so many youth
activities. Our young people need to develop a self-concept, need to know what they stand for, have the confidence to say politely what is on their mind. We need youth activities in Merced so that our kids
know sports, theater, crafts, STEM, know how to communicate well and develop their own sense of
being. They need to develop their own self-esteem, their own boundaries, their own voice.
We need to make sure that we have developed more "Franks" in our community. They are the ones who will lead our city and our country one day.