I began working at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center in October 2017. In this position, I have learned more than I thought I ever could from the youth that often frequent juvy. I would argue that each one of the youth I have seen and that inhabit this holding place has experienced trauma. Time after time these teenagers have told me they did not expect to make it past 14, 16, 18 years old. They believed that they would die young. What happens when your life defies what you believe to be true?

It is not without reason that these youth feel this way. They were often born into chaotic, high-risk situations. Also, they often perpetuate high-risk lifestyles in their own lives with the choices they make. Some are gang affiliated by choice or by birth, sexually exploited youth, drug addicted and so on. They have reason to think that they may not live a long life, but what I try to communicate with them as quickly as possible is "what if?"

What if they make it past their death deadline? What if they find themselves with an opportunity to go down a different path? What would they want for their lives? Hope is introduced when they are able to identify their life with no obstacles. This is my goal in my personal and professional life. To inspire and insight passion in everyone around me. What are you passionate about? What if there were no obstacles in your way? What would you do?

I hope my blogs are a helpful source of information. That they might help you to find comfort and solace in knowing that you’re not alone. That you matter and someone’s thinking about you. Submit blog topics and questions you'd like me to address here and subscribe below to stay updated. Until next time my friend.