UnMazed Magazine: Summer Programs (June)

UnMAZED

June 2018

Summer Volunteering Summer Programs How to Keep Your Teen Engaged & Healthy this Summer

CONT Featured

16 summer, sunshine & community service

14 5 ways to get your teen moving

18 volunteering beyond the expected

21 ask the expert

31 games that don't require a controller

2

Health

22 read this if you have ever been bullied 30 teen's kitchen: muffins

32 student voice: if you need a reason to study abroad

36 3 steps to summer wellness

42 how to minimize being prey

42 life after tragedy

44 service to others 101

46 how to THRIVE if your life

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48 color street: summer fashion

E N T S Parenting

Education

30 30 8 don't let your teen sleep away the summer 24 international exchange: changed our family 32 serving as self care

10 summer is close, now what?!?

30

18 infographic- online moocs 22 infographic- this summer, earn scholarships

25 resources

26 student accepted to MIT Women's Technology Program

36 building character through activities

27 infographic- Florida summer university programs

38 keep your kids safe this summer online WWW.UNMAZE.ME

3

UNMAZED Letter from the Editor DR. AMANDA STERK Being a family of educators, we always look forward to the summer. It is a time to regroup, relax, and do some fun activities as a family that we normally do not get around to during the school year.

For many families, this is a time of figuring out summer plans and how to keep teens busy. As a school counselor, I see how beneficial using this summer time can be. There are a variety of activities locally, statewide, nationally, and even in your own home

that

can

be

extremely

beneficial in igniting your student's passions,

4

setting

for

slips by so easily, and while teens

This month I have been able to meet

academic success, and preparing

need to regroup and relax as well, it

with some amazing contributors who

them for their next educational steps..

is easy for them to stay in a rut of not

share a passion to help teens and

doing anything but watch T.V. and This month I was thrilled to see all of

their families. Every day I become

play Fortnite. So early on in the

the

come

more excited about the possibilities

summer, I suggest you sit down and

great

of UnMazed and how it is fulfilling a

find 3-4 big activities your teen would

the

vital

like to accomplish this summer, and

summer! for teens and parents! From

community.

start making some phone calls the

international travel to taking MOOC

first week to have it all set up. Then

In the next months you will continue

courses from Yale, to earning micro-

plan out a daily chore list that needs

to see the magazine and website

scholarships, this edition is packed

to

a

providing current, quality information.

with ideas for everyone.

Summer Contract, both sign it, and

Be sure to check ww.unmaze.me

stick to it. Establishing daily and

often for all the new articles!

educational

together

and

tips on

making

them

up

experts

share it

some through

be

accomplished.

Make

Reading through all the great tips, my

summer goals will help everyone

tip is this" Make a Plan! The summer

with the summer expectations.

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

need

our

Have a great summer!

educational

JUNE 2018, ISSUE 3

Magazine articles and more can be found at www.unmaze.me Where Florida experts meet for teen success.

Contact us: We enjoy hearing from from parents, students, and educators throughout the state.. Send us your photos, letters, or comments to asterk@unmaze.me. Or visit us online: www.unmaze.me Do you want to collaborate? This magazine is designed for educators across the state to share their expertise on a variety of topics. We welcome those who would like to participate in creating this resource.

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5

UnMazed Where Experts Meet for Teen Success

Contributors SENIOR EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amanda Sterk, Ed.D., is author of College UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College & University System. She currently works at Florida SouthWestern State College as Director of Accelerated Programs. Dr. Sterk has been an educator for 20 years as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator. She is founder of the Florida teen resource, www.unmaze.me.

Rob Hicks, M.Ed.,has worked in public schools for 16 years. He is a school counselor at Fernandina Beach High School and the Ogburn School. He maintains the "Getting My Guide On" blog about all things school counselor at guidey.blogspot.com and writes about local history.

Ashley McNaughton is an independent college counselor and founder of ACM College Consulting, LLC. She has her BS in Business from Bucknell,, and Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. Alongside her consulting work, she volunteers with ScholarMatch, a nonprofit helping high achieving, low income students get to college. www.acmcollegeconsulting.com.

Jenny Meyers is passionate about teen health! After working for magazines like Women's Health, Compolitan, Seventeen, and Marie Claire, she brings her passion to her blog FITJUNKIE. She loves when readers connect with her!

Dave Smith is Chief Executive Officer; Founder of the SAFE Steps™ and author of College Without Student Loans. He has helped over 1,400 families to obtain college education in a timely manner with zero or minimal debt.

Website: www.thesafesteps.com Dean Peters started Pure Heart Children’s Fund in Managua, Nicaragua to feed over 200 children near the Managua city dump after visiting and seeing the hopeless situation in which the people lived. They also run a preschool for 30+ children. www.pureheartchildren.org.

Sydney Nanberg is an anti-bullying activist, located in Miami Beach, Florida with a mission to educate students and parents on the effects of bullying. sydneynanberg.com.

Dr. Sandra Buffkin believes wellness is multifaceted and enjoys addressing nutritional concerns and lifestyle management with others. Dr. Buffkin practices at Chiro Function in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Makenna Lutz is a student at the University of South Florida studying Business Advertising under the Zimmerman Advertising Program. She loves advertising and international travel, and is particularly passionate on how they relate to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

Sarah Sparks is the founder of Create The Spark, LLC. Sarah inspires and encourages high achieving, career driven women, who feel stuck, tired, worn out, and pulled in many different directions to put a SPARK back in their marriage and relationships.. www.sarahsparks.love

6

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Do you have a passion for teens? Would you like to write for an innovative magazine written by educators across the state and country? Connect with us today! http://www.unmaze.me/collaborators-3/ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kim Muchmore lives in Cape Coral and is a mom of two daughters, 23 and 21, the youngest just graduated from the University of Florida. Their educational journey varied based on girl's ages, family travel and interests in Christian school, homeschool, hybrid school, Classical Conversations and extra educational opportunities like hosting summer exchange students.

Tracey Malone is a wife, mother and Color Street stylist living in Naples Florida. She loves date nights with her husband, playground time with her son and all things Disney. She can be reached at EasyCuteNails@yahoo.com.

Shilo Morton is an entrepreneur, marketer and writer, currently working her magic in digital marketing. Shilo worked as an artist, co-founding The Bored Collective, a performance art collective and founding Shine, representing over 100 artists. She now uses these experiences to teach and mentor new entrepreneurs on how to create their own businesses and make their dreams a reality. www.shilomorton.com

Tamika Shine is a wife, a mother, esthetician, tax professional, active minister, and entrepreneur. Tamika's passion resides in her family's sports programming for children and educating others on credit, investing, life insurance, living wills, trusts, POA, establish a emergency fund, and to be ready for those "rainy days".

Jennifer Murphy, MS, AS, has been working with Sex Crimes victims/Survivors for over 30 years. She if founder of Fabulous Faithful Freedom Fighters, Inc. Courtney Faunce is a mental health clinician at Lifescape Counseling Services, LLC,.

She specializes in working with young adults and families utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practices with a humanistic client-centered approach.

Amy Johnson has been in education for 11 years., and is a Florida Gulf Coast University graduate. with a bachelors degree in elementary educationand a masters degree in educational technology. Amy is an educational consultant for Discovery Toys, so she could help children of all ages increase critical and creative thinking skills through play to better prepare them for their future. Plus, she gets to use the educational products with her son, teachers and students!

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7

UNMAZED

JULY AUGUST

Upcoming Featured Featured: Teens Guide to the College Process of finding your fit, college visits, and college research

Featured: Teens Guide to College Admissions; essay writing, types of applications, building a resume, and letters of recommendation

SEPTEMBER

Featured: Teens Guide to Academic Success; time management, study skills, and college-readiness skills

OCTOBER

Featured: Teens Guide to Financial Aid & Scholarships; local, state and national scholarships, Bright Futures, loans and grants, and award letters

NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY

Featured: Teens Guide to Mental & Physical Health; bullying, mental health, and wellness

Featured: Teens Guide to Careers; career and technical programs, choosing a major, career exploration, and personality tests Featured: Teens Guide to High School and Program choice; accelerated programs, high school options, and specialized schooling

Do you want UnMazed directly to your inbox each month?

Subscribe today at www.unmaze.me!

Join 4,000 subscribers 8

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9

FEATURED

Don't Let Your Teen Sleep the Summer Away

It may have taken some hard work

they want.

Summer

camps,

particularly

those

offered at college campuses, give

convincing my students to attend a camp, job shadow or take a class over

Students often come to me having a

students the opportunity to explore a

the summer, but all of them were

long list of occupations they are

subject they are interested in as well

thankful they did in the end. Why do I

interested in pursuing and they feel

as experience a bit of campus life.

ask them to trade in their sleep for

lost. I am not talking about a list of jobs

They often get to sleep in dorms, eat in

'work'?

all in the same field, I am talking about

the cafeterias, use the campus labs

things all over the board (think dog

and classrooms and meet professors.

trainer/accountant/doctor all at once)!

They get the chance to explore a

feel

Where do they start? How can they

subject they may not have had in high

pressured to pick their career/course

possibly figure out what they want to

school or at least not enough of to

of study even before their senior year,

do at the young age of 16 or 17? The

make a decision on college majors.

exploration

self-discovery

answer is not simple, in fact there isn’t

Enjoying their one year of high school

opportunities are important. Although

that ONE thing they can do to help

biology is hardly enough to bet their

they may not come out of summer

them make their decision. However,

future on! Whether or not they loved

with an exact plan, the students will at

there are many ways they can develop

what they did at camp, at least the

least have a clearer picture of what

it further.

student will be

The

simple

answer

is

DISCOVERY. At

10

a

time

when

and

students

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one step closer to knowing what they

Volunteering for local organizations is

Don’t let the expenses and loss of

want or do not want to do in the future.

another way to help students explore

summer break freedom sway you or

They will also have generated more

their interests. Not only do they get to

your teen, these opportunities may indeed prove to be priceless. They

ideas about what qualities they want in food,

If students are thinking of doing these

should use their summer wisely and

modern labs, single dorms, residential

things solely for resume padding, they

they won’t regret it.

campus,

urban

are missing the much bigger, more

location…? These are all things that

important picture. They should do it

could be discovered at a summer

because it is a chance for them to

program on campus.

explore their options and discover an

their

future

college.

small

Better

classes,

interest they may not have known they If not a camp, a job shadow could

had. Do it because if not now, when?

easily

be

nearly

any

Even if they already think they know

may

be

what they want to do, there is no

interested in, their parents, neighbors

reason not to explore it further. In this

or friends probably have a connection

case, they are demonstrating their

in that field. Reach out and ask about

passion to their future college too. The

occupation

done. a

For

student

the possibility of a day or even a week of shadowing. The worst they can do is say no. This is the student's chance to get a glimpse behind the scenes and

schools love to see someone who actually knows what they want!

By Ashley McNaughton www.acmcollegeconsulting.com.

see the good, bad and ugly of the job.

They thought they wanted to be a nurse

but

got

squeamish

seeing

blood? They thought they wanted to work in accounting, but got tired of crunching numbers and staring at excel? They thought they wanted to be a teacher, but it turns out they don’t even like kids? These are all things they

could

discover

through

job

shadowing or interning somewhere and are all things we should strive to help them discover before they spend 4 years studying.

Volunteering for local organizations is another way to help students explore their interests. Not only do they get to see what these organizations do, they get the chance to give back to the community and boost their application.

I

have

heard

many

stories

from

students who have gone on volunteer trips or spent time with a non profit and come out knowing exactly what they want to do. Of course this is not going to happen for everyone, but at least they are doing something good along the way.

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11

ACADEMIC

Summer is Close, Now What?!?

This is the time of year that a lot of big decisions are being made on behalf of students. High school administrators are beginning to look at our master schedule for our teachers and students. We are looking

at

our

incoming

9th

graders wondering what type of new students we will have to grow into young adults, as well as simultaneous

seeing

off

our

wonderful seniors who have been with us for four years. We become family

as

we

go

Freshmen Drama

from to

the

College

Decision Day. It’s a bittersweet time

of

transition

for

many

students and parents as they navigate

the

What

is

Next" phase?

The end of the year is always a good time to take stock of how the academic year went and to start planning what next year entails. I have met with many families in the last few weeks who are deciding what's next for them.

As parents, this is a time to be actively encourage

involved

and

some

10th

Rising freshman: This is the

Rising

sophomores:

Rising juniors: This is a time a

time to do some research on

Congratulations on your first

lot of programs open up and

student academic interests.

year of high school! This is a

you need specific grade point

Many of you have picked your

great time to reflect on the

averages, standardized tests,

high

year,

and

school

and

and

redirect

your

interests and passions.

school

forms

and

applications to complete.

AP, IB, AICE. STEM, etc. But

Have you found those forms

there are many other school

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

and begun working on those

extra-curriculars, community

How did your freshman year

applications?

involvement,

go?

Are

programming that help you

Do you have to retake any

volunteer or internships that

determine what you enjoy

courses? In what areas were

could get help your college

and potential college and

you strong or weak?

application?

major.

How could you develop a

Did you develop a high school

schedule

your

schedule that showcases your

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

needs, whether it be more

strengths? For example, if you

Do you know all of the

rigorous courses or backing

are going into the medical

academic

off of the activities?

field, do you have plenty of

What were some of the things

science and math courses? As

offers?

(like classes or activities) that

a reminder- Junior Year is the

What are some of the after

really got you excited? And

last year college admissions

school activities offered and

how can you encapsulate that

can

when do they start?

passion for next year?

passion on your transcript. It is

classes

and

programs your

high

other

and school

that

meets

there

see

any

your

summer

growth

and

What type of student is my

a critical year to be sure you

child, and how can I best help

are lining up everything for

them navigate high school?

when you start applying to colleges!

to

positive

By: Dr. Amanda Sterk, Founder of UnMazed

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possibly

academic programs, such as

changes.

12

11th

9th

RESOURCES Your Resources from UnMazed: 12th

Building a College Resume- Online Course Everything you need to start building a college resume to earn admissions to your top universities and compete for scholarships.

Rising seniors: this is time to begin the college process.

Use the summer to finalize some of your college ideas.

You should be, 1) taking the ACT/ SAT, 2) going on college visits, 3) volunteering, and 4)

researching

college.

(And

your

fit

How To Maximize Your High School Years with Academic Planning- Find out the top questions to ask your school to develop an academic plan that works for your student!

Becoming a "T" Shaped Student- Colleges are looking for a certain type of student to be in their classrooms and on their campus, called a "T" Shaped Student. . Find out the secret formula in this article.

Websites to Develop Your College to Career Path- Use the summer to research what college and careers are interesting to your student. This article links to some of the best websites out there.

remember:

knowing the requirements for each college/ program you want is very important to getting into the school of your choice.)

Want more on academic planning and putting together all the piecesCollege UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College & University System is written for Florida teens and their families! On sale for $19.99!

As we all want to start slacking off with summer right around the corner, now is the time to do the opposite!

Finish strong and reassess your goals for next year.

Using this school year as a learning opportunity for next year

is

monumental

and

Why Subscribe to www.UnMaze.me?

extremely beneficial.

1. You are a teen 2. You have a teen 3. You work with teens

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13

FEATURED

5 WAYS TO GET YOUR TEEN MOVING Child and teenage obesity is an epidemic and as a parent it can be hard to watch your child fall down a path of unhealthy habits and prolonged inactivity. Thanks to technology, video games and iPhones, teenagers are sitting longer than ever and spending hours inside instead of moving their bodies. You know want to motivate your child into fitness, but you don’t want to cross the line and push them into anything they don’t want to do. Luckily, there are easy and gentle ways to encourage and integrate activity into your teens life without sounding the alarm. Here are 5 easy tips to help your teen get moving.

PUT FIT IN THE FAMILY

TRY A TRAINER

Take your TV time outside! Get your

If your teen wants to get started in the

teens moving by turning your family

gym, set them up with a personal

events into active adventures. You can

trainer.

go on hikes, visit cool museums, a

resistance three days a week will help

theme park, play a seasonal sport, or

increase muscle strength, endurance

something as simple as walking the

and fat loss. A trainer will guide your

dog after dinner together. Try to pick

teen through the gym and teach them

activities the entire family can partake

all the basics of fitness so one day they

in and try to make fitness fun a

can exercise by themselves. The right

weekend habit.

trainer will also make working out

Strength

training

with

enjoyable for your teen and well worth the investment.

MAKE YOUR STEPS COUNT

ENCOURAGE

Walking is an underrated form of

SPORTS

The best way to get your child active is

exercise but just 30 minutes a day can

If your teen like watching sports, he or

to get yourself more active. Show them

increase

fitness,

she will most likely enjoy playing them

that you love going to the gym, going

strengthen bones and reduce excess

as well! Not only are sports a great

on walks and eating a balanced diet.

body fat! Purchase yourself and your

way to stay active, but they encourage

The more you prove to them through

teen

and

new friendships, structure and a sense

your actions that being and feeling

reach

of discipline that benefits young adults

healthy is great, the more they will

between 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day.

in all aspects their lives. If you find that

want to follow in your footsteps.

This is a great way to see just how

your

active you are being and to keep you

competitive nature of team sports,

both

the

encourage them to try cycling, running,

cheapest and most convenient way to

golf or tennis. What might start as a

stay healthy and a simple day of extra

simple hobby could turn into a true

steps will do wonders for your teens

passion and skill!

body and mind.

a

challenge

cardiovascular

Fitbit

or

each

accountable.

pedometer other

Walking

14

to

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is

teen

PARTICIPATION

doesn’t

enjoy

IN

the

BE A ROLE MODEL

by Jenny Meyers, Fitness Expert

FEATURED

Try something new this summer! Cape Coral and Fort Myers, with locations coming soon to Jacksonville, Orlando and

Tampa,

competitive

are sport

seeing

a

hit

market:

the

new

Kickball. Once thought a sport only of PE class, kickball is becoming one of the nation's fastest growing sports.  "Kickball is becoming popular because a wide variety of skills can play. We encourage men, women, young and old to come out and get some exercise and then we have great opportunities to socialize after each game," stated Ryan

Caviness,

Founder

of

iKickballz.com."I started iKickballz after realizing we nee more unique ways to interact. We keep prices low and seasons to 8 weeks so it appeals to all types of people" says Caviness. iKickballz is being sponsored by two local restaurants; Cape Coral-Duffy's and Fort Myers-Marlin's Brewhouse.

Link- iKickballz.com

Other Summer Activities

ASK THE EXPERT

SUMMER, SUNSHINE, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE With summer approaching, many of

So,

the daily demands on teenagers will

service? Well, in my experience this is

begin to fall away. This means more

the grayest of gray areas. It’s really

time to pursue other interests and/or

hard to put a fine point on this because

obligations they might not have time

the opportunity for community service

just need to be mindful of this and

for during the school year. For many

and activities within that realm are vast.

make sure to document the hours. If

students, one of these obligations is

Also,

as

you volunteer at the concession stand

collecting community service hours.

community service is in the eye of the

during your little brother’s baseball

beholder. That is to say, I suppose the

game, that might count. Just get

Now, I am not talking about court-

person most qualified to determine

someone to help you document it. If

ordered community service. That’s a

whether or not an activity would count

you still need more hours, reach out to

whole separate issue. I’m talking about

as a service hour is the individual who

the non-profit organizations in your

community service that is related to

will or will not accept it. In the context

community, especially in the areas that

high

appeal to you. Do you like animals?

school

I

counts

believe

as

what

community

qualifies

and

of schools, that is often a counselor or

scholarships. Currently only one state,

teacher. At my school, that’s me and I

Maryland plus the District of Columbia,

would say I’m very liberal in what I

explicitly require community service

accept as a community service hour,

for graduation. However, most other

but I would never venture to answer

See what you can do at the zoo, for

states

by

for someone else. Therefore, the key

example.

integrating hours into required courses

here is to ask ahead before you spend

organizations are always looking for

or by tying them to state-funded

a significant amount of time working at

more helping hands. Just ask what

scholarships like the Bright Futures

something you might not receive

they need for you to do.

scholarship in Florida. Even if you live

credit for.

highly

graduation

what

encourage

it

"The key is to ask Trust

me,

non-profit

Summer and other breaks from school

in one of the few states that make no demands for community service hours,

As far as where to find community

are great times to tackle community

they are never a bad thing to have

service opportunities, those are ample.

service requirements.If you start early

under your belt when it comes time to

I think that many teens do a variety of

on in high school and chip away over

apply to college or scholarships from

activities that would count as service

time, these requirements are usually

other organizations.

hours in their regular activities. They

pretty

easy

to

manage.

Try

to

document everything you do that can count, and you won’t be scrambling at the end of senior year.

By Rob Hicks, Founder of Guidey.Blogspot.Com & School Counselor

16

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ahead."

75 hours Hours needed for the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) Scholarship of Bright Futures (75% tuition)

100 hours Hours needed for the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) Scholarship of Bright Futures (100% tuition)

FEATURED Reaching for the Stars: Volunteering beyond the Expected

Do you think about giving back to the

Want to feel like you’re in Hollywood

community, while having fun, beyond

and gain some leadership and time

the requirement for credits or college

management skills? Volunteer as a

admission? Volunteering can be way

Guest Pathfinder and keep the throngs

more exciting and interesting than just

away from guest speakers as you

completing the required number of

escort them to the panel discussion

hours to graduate. SWFL SpaceCon, an

area. Maybe you’re into tech and crew

annual Sci-Fi, Comic and Gaming

jobs or engineering and set up. The

Convention, aimed at bringing together

Panel Set-up Assistant/Tech Support

fans and stars from all realms of

is the place to start to get real on-site

fandom for one exciting weekend, is a

experience with setting up events for

perfect example of alternative thinking

techs with both physical and electrical

when

volunteering.

builds. There are jobs for extroverts as

Choosing a cool place that taps into

it

comes

to

well, volunteer as an announcer and

your own interests is about more than

use those drama-class skills.

just clocking-in the hours. It can give

By: Shilo Morton, entrepreneur

you real-world skills and perspectives,

Costumes

and lead to long-lasting friendships

encouraged, so go in character! If the

with people who get you and are

idea of picking and sticking to one job

excited by the same things you are.

makes you want to yawn, then try a

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and

cosplay

are

General Assistant role. They will have

. The type of experiences you gain

and excitement with. One of the most

you running around doing anything

working across various fields make for

social places at SWFL SpaceCon is the

that needs doing all day long. There

a more well-rounded and interesting

game room, full of gamers, both board

won’t be any time for boredom in this

individual; the type of person who gets

and video, taking on challenges and

role. It will hone your expertise with

noticed for college admissions and

teaming

teamwork, communication and ability

real-world

Volunteering

to be a creative problem-solver who

graduation.

can think on their feet.

teamwork,

positions

that

require

There are previous

employment Skills

communication

like

and

after

up

for as

a

campaigns.

Game

Room

leadership,

Assistant will give you a natural in to

adaptability,

make connections with other players

planning

are

as well as keep you in the thick of the

expertise as well, signing up as the

exactly the skills you need to succeed

Sign Language Translator will give you

in

the opportunity to finally show off your

school.

The social aspects are not

There are so many advantages to

ASL and KSL (Klingon Sign Language)

something to be overlooked either.

taking on unusual and fun short-term

skills.

Sometimes,

and

volunteer positions. Set yourself apart

hobbies can be very solitary in nature.

form your peers and meet new people

As a for-profit organization, you won’t

Spending time in the real-world with

while contributing to your community.

get high school credits for the work,

people as passionate as you are, will

These are the experiences that last a

but taking on these positions can be a

give

lifetime.

real resume builder when looking for

new friends, feel a part of a larger

summer jobs or internship placements

community

work

environments

you

these

a

interests

chance and

outside

to

meet

excitement.

of

make like-

minded individuals to share your ideas

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19

Summer Options

ONLINE MOOCS Strengthening Student Interests Online MOOC lIST

COURSERA Coursera has been the leader in MOOC courses, and universities like UPENN, Johns Hopkins, Standford, and Duke , produce multiple courses

Make your MOOC search. While MOOC List does not have individual classes, it is the best search of multiple sites to find the right course for your summer.

SILKSHARE

CURRIKI

Unlimited access to over 20,000 classes in design, business, technology, photography, entrepreneurship, film and writing. These courses will allow students to follow their passions.

Courses are aimed at teachers, parents, and kids in grades K-12, and offer learning ideas and resources from around the world.

EDX

UDACITY

Courses from top universities such as MIT, Harvard, Berkeley, and Columbia University, the courses are provide a gateway to leading educators in the field.

Created by two Stanford professors, if your student is interested in anything technology related this is it. Unique courses from Google, Amazon, Twitter, Facebook, and more.

ALISON

KHAN ACADEMY

Alison (Advanced Learning Interactive Systems Online) touts itself as the world's leading free online resource for language courses, life and business skills, and health.

Strengthen student's academic skills in subject areas such as mathematics, computing, science, and history. Khan Academy is also partnered with the SAT to provide free coursework.

UDEMY

OPEN YALE

With 65,000 courses online, there choices are endless., such as Manga Art School, Japanese, vocal singing , How to DJ, and Fashion Blogging,

20

Infographic link can be found at www.unmaze.me/educators

An opportunity to attend Y a full Yale course, with class lectures and course materials. Attend courses like Organic Chemistry, African American Studies, Game Theory, and Modern Poetry.

ASK THE EXPERT

ASK JENNY

From Kaitlyn, 14 Hi Jenny! For some reason I am feeling super self conscious like more than I usually am. I have zero idea why, but I guess it is because of my weight. My whole life I’ve been told I am too heavy so understandably I just lack a lot of confidence. I just wanted to say this to you and ask what are ways I can feel more confident in myself and my body? Thank you! Xo

Dear Kaitlyn,

First, I want you to know that this is normal. Loving your body is one of the hardest things to do. It would be fantastic if we all woke up every morning put on an outfit and said Wow! I look so incredibly beautiful today! But unfortunately, many of us struggle with tuning out the pressures and societal standards surrounding weight and beauty. Is it normal to feel this way and it is important you recognize these feelings so you can work to cope with them.

Your incredible body is meant to serve as a vessel to carry you all through a healthy and active life. It needs fuel, compassion, attention, and Kaitlyn, you can’t rightfully take care of something you loathe.

The weight of your body is just ONE, tiny, little, miniscule factor in what makes you, YOU!. When you are feeling a lack of confidence in the mirror, think about the self that lies underneath. Think about all the amazing things and qualities people truly love you for, Kaitlyn. Go as far as making a list of things you appreciate about yourself and when you’re having a bad body day, take out the list and remind yourself that you are more than a number. If you can’t think of anything you love about yourself, ask your mom!

Have your mom or even your best friend tell you all the things they love about you. Do NOT let any negative body thought make you feel less than the STELLAR being you are. Do not measure your selfworth by the size of your jeans. A number is a number. Kaitlyn, you have a whole lot more to give the world. Your weight will fluctuate all through life, but you regardless of that number, let your spirit fly high and strong. Give yourself the love and respect you deserve.

With love, Jenny

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

21

TEEN HEALTH Read This if You Have Ever Been Bullied I was bullied growing up. I was

Learn how to respond while remaining

constantly laughed at for everything I

yourself. Focus what you want in the

did. Kids would throw food at me. I was

future.

told I was fat and ugly… The list goes on and on. Being bullied contributed to

Be authentic. Be unique. Don’t let that

my

go. Trust me.

low

self-esteem,

anxiety

and

depression.

Do you want to own your own Something that most people don’t

business? Focus on that. Do you want

know about me is that I have always

to be a teacher? Focus on that. Do you

had a drive to succeed in life. Even at a

want a family? Focus on that. Focus on

young age where I was tormented in

what brings you happiness and learn in

school. There was something that kept

the meantime.

me going and that is what I will be sharing with you today.

If you have been bullied, I understand the pain that comes along. The anxiety,

To anyone who has ever been a victim

depression and low self-esteem. I’ve

of bullying, I could sit here and tell you

been there. You can lose confidence in

to just ignore it, be who you are, stand

who you are. You may not see the

up for yourself, but I know how many

point in going after what you want in

times you have probably heard that.

life. It may be hard to keep going.

While ignoring it, standing up for

Keep reading though.

yourself and remaining true to who you

When it comes to getting a job out of

are is something that you MUST do, I

college or even starting your own

want you to understand something

business, you will not succeed if you

else as well.

are a copy. People like people who are authentically themselves. Who offer

In the real world, you are going to face

something different, and who are not

Because being uncomfortable is what

many challenges. You are going to

trying to be cool because they are

gets you to the next level in life. You

have to take risks. You are going to

scared.

are going to have to take risks in life

have to do things outside of your comfort zone in order to get ahead.

and challenge yourself. Look at how You are at an advantage.

You are going to face rejection.

will already have the experience.

In order to get what you want in life,

You are already out of your comfort

you need to learn how you handle

zone. If you are being bullied or have

these challenges. Learn this now.

been in the past, you are out of your

Learn this today. Learn how to handle

comfort zone. When someone puts

negativity and learn how to respond to

you down, they are putting you in an

these challenges mentioned above.

uncomfortable situation. Embrace it.

22

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

much easier it will be for you since you While bullies are running away from their insecurities by bullying you, they are helping you gain the strength that you might not realize you have until later in life. You have more power than you know.

Understand that bullies are either suffering emotionally or are afraid of being judged. It does not make their actions right and there is no excuse.

Imagine the people that bully you or have bullied you. Picture them. They

15%

of Florida teens were bullied on school property in the last year

are too afraid to be themselves. It may not seem like it, but they are. While it might not make a difference for them right now in their every day life, in the real world, it will. They will be less likely to take risks and they will be more likely to stay in their comfort zone. The tables will turn. I’ve seen it happen.

Rather than fighting the negativity and

12%

of Florida teens were bullied on online in the last year

developing more anxiety and bad feelings, I want you to realize your power in this situation so that you can see your future a bit differently. See the advantage that you are at. See the possibilities for yourself in life. See the possibilities for now. How much you will grow. How much this will teach

By Sydney Nanberg, sydneynanberg.com

you..

Follow

my

journey

on

Instagram: @iamsydneynanberg Follow my journey on Facebook: Iamsydneynanberg WWW.UNMAZE.ME

23

IS H T

SUMMER EARN SCHOLARSHIPS

Raise.Me

Club or Sport

Create an account at Raise.me. It will ask for your information and will have you select several colleges you are interested in.

Consistent participation in sports and clubs makes you a better college candidate. Earn

Enter Grades If you have high school grades, it will ask for the type of class and grade in the class. Enter in the year to received the grade, the course title, teacher's last name, and your grade.

Earn an A or B You can money for each course you earned an A or B, the higher the course work (honors, AP, Dual Enrollment etc) the more money.. Earn $10-1,500

Work Experience Colleges understand many students have to work to help their families, causing them to forgo extra-curriculars. Earn. $713,000 work experience.

College Exams Taking college exams, such as the PSAT, ACT, and SAT, allows colleges to see your academic potential at their college. Earn $173,000.

Volunteer

Summer Progams

Colleges award students who do community service because it shows compassion, strong character, and leadership. Add the hours you volunteered outside of school. Earn $60-7,500.

Many colleges offer Pre-College programs, that include orientation, a campus tour, opportunities to meet other students, and even attend classes. Earn $100-2,500.

Leadership Colleges want students who take on leadership roles because you learn to communicate, motivate, and lead others, Earn between $10-$4,000 per award.

24

$10-600 per year.

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

Visit a College Visiting a campus gives you an opportunity to meet and learn about the college, and they get to know you as a student. Visit a college, earn $100-4,000.

FLORIDA

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ALBIZU UNIVERSITY ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY BARRY UNIVERSITY ROLLINS COLLEGE BEACON COLLEGE STETSON UNIVERSITY FLAGLER COLLEGE JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY

219 COLLEGES NATIONWIDE WWW.UNMAZE.ME

25

FEATURED

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE CHANGED OUR FAMILY

F family!

By Kim Muchmore, EF Education

26

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

or eight summers our family

international

has had the opportunity of

leaving town. It started with Angel

hosting

from

from Taiwan and Iris from Hong Kong

different countries and we

and has grown to a total of 16

have loved being a part of the

international daughters. Standing at

amazing world of being a host

the arrival party with my own two

My girls have been able to

daughters and husband, we held signs

students

experience different cultures and make

friends

without

ever

welcoming our new family members

"The day they leave is the hardest." welcoming our new family members

hanging out and being a part of the

we have the pleasure of hearing their

as we anxiously awaited meeting our

family.

success stories as they graduate, head

first

off to college and sometimes come

students with Education First (EF).

short-term

foreign

exchange

For my girls, it was like a three-week

back for visits. The girls came into our

slumber party and a great way to end

home for a short time, but they stay in

Being a volunteer host family is an

the summer! It was great meeting

our hearts forever!

experience I would recommend to

other host families and seeing the

everyone! Families with small children,

different

dynamics

teens or empty nesters can all be great

hosted!

There

singles,

staycation

host families for a summer exchange

of

those

were

who

For

anyone

looking

for

adventure,

fun

wanting

grandparents, families who had small

experience

children or an only child who loved

student but nervous for a full school-

come and be a part of the American

having a big brother or sister. Many

year commitment, or anyone who is

experience.

the

families with teens liked hosting for a

community minded and has a heart for

excitement on arrival day with all the

fun way of earning community service

volunteering and an interest in youth

families cheering and waiving signs as

hours as well as the opportunity

and

the big buses roll in. As we wait, we

to travel over and visit their student in

opportunity!

see the student’s faces all looking out

their own country. We had friends who

Spain, Austria, France and China will be

the window to see their new families .

hosted boys from Spain one summer

in Lee and Collier County this July!

My girls used to take part in an

and the following summer their sons

They all have insurance, speak English

international pen-pal program and had

were hosted by the families in Spain!

(different levels) and have local staff

always loved checking the mailbox to

We’ve stayed with our student in Paris

support.

see if they received a letter from a

and one in Barcelona!

can

feel

cultures,

this

an

to

student! The students are so excited to You

hosting

a

is

an

exchange

amazing

Students from Russia,

There are two types of exchange

friend on the other side of the world!

Our students have come from Hong

student programs you can participate

Kong, Taiwan, France, Spain, and

in based on your family’s lifestyle. The

July for just a few weeks, it was the

Austria

a

first is the program that the students

excitement of an international new

lasting memory in our hearts.

We

are gone Monday – Friday, 8-5 for

friend but one they actually could

still contact, I get

happy birthday

class and activities. This is best for

meet in person! We could see our

mom posts on my Facebook page and

working families, as your days are still

student’s

introduction

when my older daughter got married,

free. For families who have a stay-at-

letter, what their parent’s occupations

three students traveled back to be at

home parent, or one that is off during

were and what the student’s hobbies

the wedding!

the summer, or an older teen that

and interests were.

drives, the immersion program is a

We provided them with a welcoming

great way of your family having more

We participated in the academic based

home, an extra plate at the table and a

time with the student as they do not

program where they have language

bed of their own. They provided us

have

and culture classes in the morning, and

with a glimpse into their life, culture,

requirements are an application and

planned activities in the afternoon.

language and just what it’s like being a

references, meals, a bed (students can

They explore our beaches, shop, ice-

teen in a different part of the world.

share a bedroom with a teen that is

skate, bowl, bike Sanibel and even line

Our family gets the opportunity to be

within 3 years age range and same

dance! We get to see our community

ambassadors for our country, share our

gender), transportation to a designated

through a fresh perspective. My girls

community and expand our hearts.

bus stop (for daily classes/activities)

loved going on the afternoon activities

and a safe, welcoming environment!

with the students and meeting the

The day they leave is the hardest,

friends of their host sisters. Evenings

but the experience enriched our lives

To find out more about hosting, visit

and

like we never expected and will never

www.efhomestay.org, or call 239-340-

forget.

5164.

When

we

exchange

spent

heard

about

students

that

profile,

weekends playing

are

summer came

family

games,

in

time,

watching

movies, cook-outs with friends and just

and

they’ve

all

left

Although we thought the

daily

classes.

Host

family

experience would end when they left, WWW.UNMAZE.ME

27

COMMUNITY

FSW Student Accepted to MIT Women’s Technology Program are

It’s wonderful to see Elizabeth take

chosen college majors in engineering

counting down the days. For FSW

advantage of this opportunity, said Dr.

or computer science. Another 21% have

student

that

Martin McClinton, Dean, School of Pure

majored in science or mathematics,

countdown is for a different reason.

and Applied Sciences, FSW. The goal

with the remaining 11% in a variety of

She is one of only 40 women to be

of this program is to further encourage

fields.

accepted to the Women’s Technology

women to pursue careers in the math

women to pursue careers in the math

Program in Electrical Engineering and

and science areas.

and science areas.

Summer

vacation.

Elizabeth

Students Swiersz,

We emphasize

science and engineering at the high

Computer Science (WTP-EECS) held at

school to all of our students, said Dr.

MIT this summer. There were 696

About WTP-EECS

applicants nationally for those 40

The

coveted spots. The ones selected have

Program in EECS (WTP-EECS) is a

women to pursue careers in the math

demonstrated outstanding academic

rigorous,

and science areas.

talent in math and science.

academic and residential experience

science and engineering at the high

where female high school students

school to all of our students, said Dr.

explore

engineering,

Brian Botts, principal, FSW Collegiate

very fulfilling to me, said Swiersz. I’m

computer science, and mathematics

High School, Lee. Our students learn

very interested in the either civil

for EECS through hands-on classes,

to conduct research, use technology,

engineering or architecture.

labs, and team-based projects in the

communicate

summer after 11th grade.

collaboratively,

She’s a junior at FSW’s Lee Collegiate

critical and creative thinking. These

High School, the only STEM accredited

Since WTP-EECS was launched in

skills, and others that students like

charter school in the state, and a full-

2002, 626 students have attended and

Elizabeth learn, serves to help them

time dual-enrolled student at FSW.

over 64% of WTP-EECS alumnae have

take full advantages of opportunities

I like problem-solving because it’s

MIT

Women's fast-paced

electrical

Technology four-week

Brian Botts, principal, FSW Collegiate

We emphasize

and and

work demonstrate

Website: http://wtp.mit.edu/

BY THERESA ARAQUE FROM FLORIDA SOUTHWESTER N STATE COLLEGE

like the WTP-EECS program.

UnMazed Directory Find your Florida Expert

Teen Resources

College & Career Resources

Community Resources

Teen Success

Academic Support, Personal/ Social Support, Academic Planning, Scholarships & Financial Aid, Colleges & Universities, Community Resources, and more!!

FLORIDA SUMMER PROGRAMS disney physics, technology, photo storytelling, personal branding, and more

Website

SeA WORLD Marine science academy, animal care, a iculturists, animal training

website

ECKERD COLLEGE Marine science, leadership, sustainability, riters orkshop

website

EMBRY-RIDDLE A iation, mechanical engineering, NASA

website

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY architecture

website

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY Lutgert College of Business, CEO Academy

website

FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY flight, engineering, ad anced a iation, marine science & engineering, Girls in STEM

website

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY FSU College of Medicine

NASA INTERNSHIPS classic ham and parsley terrine, ith knuckle of eal, hite ine & tarragon

RINGLING ART & DESIGN Animation, sculpting, cartoons, graphic no els, etc

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA programming, biology, engineering

STETSON UNIVERSITY classic ham and parsley terrine, ith knuckle of eal, hite ine & tarragon

University of miami Summer Scholars Program- multiple tracks

UNIVERSITY OF south FLORIDA STEM, riters orkshop, biomedical engineering, ad ertising

university of florida multiple programs

website website website website website website website website WWW.UNMAZE.ME

29

HEALTH TEEN'S KITCHEN: ALLERGY-FREE: SUN BUTTER BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP BITES BY: jENNY MEYERS

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana 1 egg 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter 1 tbsp pure vanilla 1/4 tsp dairy free dark chocolate chips 1 tsp cinnamon Instructions: 1. Mash your ripe banana until smooth.

2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.

3. Pour into a non-stick or lightly greased muffin pan 4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 2025 minutes.

PARENTING SPONSORED ARTICLE

Games that DON'T require a controller

Summer is here! Why not use games as a source of creating essential lifelong skills with your family. There are many games that do not require a controller and can have positive impacts on children's lives..

What would your child like to be when they become an adult? Believe it or not, this one question will set a precedence towards your child’s future

career goals. It all begins with your

1. Critical Thinking and problem solving

child’s imagination. By igniting a spark

2.

in your child’s imagination at a young

Leading by Influence

age

3. Agility and Adaptability

you

open

up

numerous

Collaboration

Across

Networks

and

opportunities to develop their focus,

4. Initiative and Entrepreneurialism

versatility, visualization, and creativity.

5. Effective Oral and Written Communication

These driving factors have a boundless impact in the way your child thinks and achieves goals later in life.

workforce we must equip them with necessary skills to jumpstart their occupations.

Tony

Wagner,

President and CEO of the Institute for Responsive

Education,

7. Curiosity and Imagination Discovery Toys has multiple games

To better prepare your child for today’s

future

6. Accessing and Analyzing Information

completed

nearly 100 interviews with leaders from

and toys that integrate these skills while being fun and engaging for the whole family.

For more information feel free to email me at Jamy.31@yahoo.com or visit Discoverytoys.com/Ajohnson.

Apple to the U.S. Army and reviewed the research on the skills most needed in the workplace. He discovered there are Seven Survival Skills that all children will need to master in order to be successful in the 21st century workforce.

BY: AMY jOHNSON, EDUCATOR & DISCOVERY TOYS CONSULTANT

STUDENT VOICE

IF YOU NEED A REASON TO STUDY ABROAD

You’ll never have this much freedom

College is known for the freedom it provides. You are able to set your own rules and do near anything you please without parents looming over your shoulder, but don’t quite have to worry about a full time job, pets, or kids just yet, either. This is the one surefire time you have to travel for extended amounts of time.

You’ll learn more than you ever could in a classroom You’ll learn more than you ever could in a classroom While it’s one thing to open a book and read about the cultural differences between nations, but another entirely to experience all that they have to offer. The term It’s a small world, is tossed around a lot, however, the world is so vast that there is no end to the amount of information you can learn. In addition to learning about other people, you can learn a lot about yourself, as well. Studying abroad will change you in ways you'll never imagine.

You’ll learn more than you ever could in a classroom You’ll learn more than you ever could in a classroom While it’s one thing to open a book and read about the cultural differences between nations, but another entirely to experience all that they have to offer. The term It’s a small world, is tossed around a lot, however, the world is so vast that there is no end to the amount of information you can learn. In addition to learning about other people, you can learn a lot about yourself, as well. Studying abroad will change you in ways you'll never imagine.

Study Abroad has a direct impact on employable skills Study Abroad has proven to increase employable skills such as independence, adaptability, language competencies, and networking capabilities. Employers look for these skills when hiring people because they make potential hires stand out among people with the same degree. Not only will you be gaining an experience of a lifetime, you’ll also be increasing your chances of finding a great job after college.

Your life is forever changed I have made it my life's mission to see the world. The colors of culture and the excitement of new experiences have always drawn me to travel. However, as a college student, I know first hand how difficult it can be to afford it. Luckily, there are lots of ways to avoid an exuberant price tag.

Look for Direct Credit programs Schools often offer two types of credit for studying abroad-Direct and Indirect. A direct credit is offered when the program is taught by professors from the student’s home college. The curriculum is that of the home college and therefore there isn’t the issue of credits not transferring over. In addition to a typically smoother experience, direct credits open the door for much easier financial aid. Whatever aid you can expect to receive for that semester should you have stayed at home is applied to the study abroad program. Look on your school’s study abroad page or talk to a study abroad advisor to see which programs offer which credits.

32

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

Talk to Financial aid….often The Financial Aid office can be a scary and often times frustrating place. Most students avoid going like the plague, but going in several times a semesterespecially when planning a trip abroad- could save you hundreds of dollars. Some colleges sneak an extra incentive into visiting Financial Aid by allowing students who speak to an advisor a chance to receive extra funding. Check with a financial aid officer frequently to learn of any new funding opportunities.

See if your school offers a study abroad scholarship The financial aid office offers a plethora of options for you to find funding through the university, but there are often other smaller scholarship offices within your college that are willing to help students fund their study abroad trips as well. Search your college’s website to see if they offer any major-specific scholarships.

Traveling in college is an absolute must-and funding should never hold you back from those experiences. The opportunities and insight and memories you gain from going abroad are invaluable. Take advantage of every chance you get to see the world.

BY MAKENNA LUTZ

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

33

PARENTING

SERVING AS SEL As a parent of two teens myself, I understand the difficulties we have with time for ourselves and feeling like we just aren’t a taxi-service. One way to think about reconnecting with your teen, your spouse, or even yourself is to think about volunteering.

Remember when we were kids? We all wanted to be 'that person' when we grew up. Things as simple as going out to eat was an adventure. Beaches and

forests

were

filled

with

wonderment. Every new kid we met was going to our best friend forever.

Basically, everything was great and exciting. We were passionate about life! We were going to change the world and champion noble causes.

We were going to be heroes and

impact others! Then LIFE actually

DESPERATE to find something new to

happened......

talk about! VOLUNTEER!! There is power in volunteering.

Now we are older, more fatalistic and sadly realistic, the world has taught us

Volunteering gives you the power of

that she is NOT our playground. In

choice: YOU choose to BE the kind of

short, it is not as much fun as it used to

person you want to be.

be: Our friends have all gone their own

become 'that person'. You can literally

ways. Bosses are mean. After work we

change your life overnight by making

come home and watch tv. Wives are

that decision.

bored,

kids

are

bored.

You CAN

Even

conversations become boring because

Volunteering is mentally healthy: They

there is nothing new in your life,

say the best cure for depression is random acts of kindness.

I don't

Does that sound like you? Do you find

believe that. I have given many bums

your life boring and going in circles?

my shoes, only to see them walking

Do you feel like you are not in control?

around barefoot the next day. I saw a

Do you want more power in your life?

person I bought a donut for trade it for

Do you want to make new friends and

a cigarette. If you are counting on

rediscover passion? Are you

random acts of kindness as a step to a

LF CARE better

psyche,

mistaken.

you

are

woefully

Volunteering is different

How

do

you

choose

a

good

organization to volunteer for?

1. Take baby steps

than just randomly being nice to someone.

Volunteering is powerful

because you are working in harmony

1. Is it in line with your passion? If it

2.

isn't, then don’t do it.

commitment

They

will

appreciate

a

3. Work at different areas and listen to

with a lot of kindred spirits for the same objective. The power is that you

2. Are they elusive and sneaky when

other volunteers

WILL

you try to contact them? If so, walk

4. Ask for success reports

away in slow motion.

5. Socialize with co-volunteers

see

governments,

results.

People,

systems

etc

are

off-site

positively impacted by the hard and working

3. When you do contact them and all

6. See the beneficiaries

together, on their own 'dime' for the

they want is your donation, not your

7. Find joy in the simple things.

greater good.

blood, sweat and tears, let them talk to

joyous

work

of

people

Volunteering will help you to help reignite

your

passion

in

your

life;

small

your hand… and please for the love of

Once you find the perfect place to

all that is good and pure in life, DO

volunteer, let it personify who you are.

NOT WRITE THEM A CHECK.

A cause and a direction in your life that YOU can influence will empower every

Volunteering helps that passion to grow. Volunteering connects you to

When you find the perfect ONE to

facet of the rest of your life and the

people like you! People with your

volunteer for, under promise and don’t

lives of your family.

passions.

over commit.

Good luck fellow volunteer.

By Dean Peters, Pure Heart Children's Fund, www.pureher atchildren.org

FEATURED SPONSORED ARTICLE

3

STEPS TO SU

1

Summer’s Here! Schools Out! School

is

out

which

GO OUTSIDE!

An estimated 85% of the American fun

public is deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin

summer days are ahead! With all the

D is important to help fight against

excitement of summer it is important

infections, colds, flu, prevent chronic

to have a wellness plan in mind. For

diseases, and helps your immune

many

mean

system fight bacteria and viruses. By

unstructured days, which can often

going outdoors and spending time in

lead

the sun you will help keep your vitamin

summer to

means

days

prolonged

hours

on

technology. Research shows that the

D level in therapeutic range.

average American spends 93% of their life indoors.4 The average teen spends

·By going outside you can help prevent

around 9 hours a day on some form of

childhood obesity, diabetes, asthma,

social

strong

vitamin D deficiency, and ADHA. All

correlation between increased social

media.

There

is

a

have been tied to spending less time in

media use and increased depression

nature and more time indoors leading

and anxiety.3 So help your teen find a

to a sedentary lifestyle.

healthy balance and still enjoy their summer vacation! Here are some tips

The Centers for Disease Control and

to ensure you and your family have a

Prevention suggested limiting screen

healthy summer vacation.

time to 1-2 hours per day. The

·Take

your

exercise

outdoors!

American

Heart

recommends

no

more

Association then

six

Research shows that physical activity

teaspoons of added sugar a day.5 This

outdoors for as little as five-minutes

can really sneak up on you if you are

leads to improved moods and self-

not actively watching sugar intake.

esteem.

Try substituting with coconut sugar. ·The US Department of Health and

Coconut popsicles or coconut ice

Human

cream is great for summer days. The

Services

recommends

minutes of physical activity a day.

36

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60

fat in the coconut milk will slow down

MMER WELLNESS

2

EAT A HEALTHY DIET!

3

PREVENTIVE WELLNESS CARE

the release of sugar and contains less

Chiropractic care offers your family a

remember to live well! For more health

sugar than most popsicles. When I

solid foundation for wellness and

and wellness tips please visit Dr.

think

parties

preventative health care. Chiropractic

Buffkin’s

immediately come to mind. Pizza is

care improves sleep, behavior, attitude,

www.realigninghealth.com

one of my favorite foods. Instead of

and the immune system function.7

of

summer

pizza

website

at

ordering pizzas try a cauliflower pizza crust instead!

Your nervous system controls every cell and organ in your body. By making

Remember moderation is key! The

sure your spine is properly aligned you

best way to shop for groceries is to

allow your nervous system to function

stay along the perimeter of the store.

optimally.

Reduce

consumption

of

BY DR. SANDRA BUFFKIN

grains,

processed foods, and sugar.

Enjoy your summer vacation and

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37

FEATURED Developing

CHARACTER

Through Activities

38

As a mom of four, entrepreneur, and

especially single-parent homes, when

than just another fun hobby, but these

wife to the president of a youth

it comes to playing the role of football

activities build their character in so

organization, Osceola Panthers, I help

mom, soccer mom, or all-around

many ways. As they enter in to young

oversee

carpooling mom or dad.

However

adult years, these will be some of the

cheerleaders ages 4-14. For the last 16

difficult it may be, extracurricular

most crucial years of their lives as the

years, our Osceola Panthers has

activities are truly essential to a child’s

peer pressure starts and their bodies

impacted

the

growth. While some parents consider

start to change. They need a haven to

community with our programs, and I

it a privilege, and they take their kids

keep them in a positive state of mind.

feel privileged to be on the journey

out of the activity as soon as they start

This is the best time for them to get

with the families we serve. Our goal is

having behavior problem; I consider it

involved in something that really

to keep kids off the streets and afford

a need. Programs like this could be a

interests them. There are so many

them a place to go and belong.

kid’s only outlet out of a bad situation.

valuable life lessons these activities

Extracurricular

activities

bring

out

teach

I know It is no easy task to get the kids

characteristics

in

kids

that

managing

to and from practice. I totally get the

sometimes as parents we don’t even

confidence

day-to-day task of parents

realize they have. It becomes more

collaborating and working together,

some

250

many

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football

families

in

and

our

them,

like; their and

prioritizing time,

and

building

self-esteem,

BY TAMIKA SHINE, entrepreneur and contributing to the community outside of academics.

Another added benefit is that these activities

look

great

on

college

applications. It lets the institutions know how involved they have been,

Inspire

and that the students are hardworking and dedicated to their goals. With hard work and the right type of coaching, students reach their desired goals

and

continue

to

push

themselves as an individual and as a team. Learning to be able to work as a team is a great skill to learn that prepares them for the real world when it becomes essential that they work well with others.

Studies had shown that there is a strong

connection

between

extracurricular activities with good grades,

positive

strengthened

behaviors,

work

habits.

and Being

involved improves a child’s whole outlook on life.

It gives them the

sense of competitiveness for higher education opportunities, keeps them active, and promotes good health. It is our job as parents to be able to identify our child’s strengths and weaknesses and help them to live fulfilling lives. With all the benefits of extracurricular activities, summer is a great time to fit the right fit your child.

I would encourage all parents to reconsider helping your child to be the best version of themselves by getting them involved today.

Believe

PARENTING

Keep Your Kids SAFE This Summer Schools out!! Or just about to be.

When I grew up in the 70s & 80s we

Everyone is ready for the summer

played outside all day and most of the

break

the

night. We had bikes and tree forts, the

students in your home. As working

to

happen,

beaches and lots of hot summer nights.

parents we have so many concerns

We played hide & seek and kickball

regarding our kids and their, seemingly,

with a dozen neighborhood kids. It also

unlimited amount of free time. Who are

meant lots of time to get into mischief

they

What

on occasion. Sadly, those times are

activities or camps or vacations are

long gone and kids are more engaged

planned? Do you hire a day sitter or a

with their devices & WIFI than the

day care or home sitter? The questions

neighborhood

can be endless. Here is a particular

purpose of this particular article and a

question I would like you to keep at the

reminder to parents that even though

forefront of your mind as you are away

we are not on top of our kids 24/7

from your children and they are at

there are lots of things we can do to

home with or without supervision. Who

help educate them about the dangers

are they talking/ chatting with online?

of online activity, and more specifically

Who are their friends ? Who do they

predatory behavior.

spending

time

especially

with?

pals.

Which

is

the

hangout with online?

BY JENNIFER MURPHY, MS, FREEDOM FIGHTERS

40

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6

AVERAGE HOURS TEENS SPEND ON MEDIA SITES EVERY DAY Here are some startlingly statistics from

online child safety advocates:

4. Talk to them about the tricks that

1. 95% of all Americans between 12

predators use to manipulate and

and 17 years old are online.

groom kids to lure them from the

2. One in five U.S. teenagers say they

safety of their homes into the arms of

have received an unwanted sexual

monsters.

Behaviors

solicitation via the Web.

predators

are

3. In 100% of the cases, teens that are

sympathetic,

victims of sexual predators have gone

building

willingly to meet with them.

especially to kids that have family problems,

a

exhibited

often

understanding relationship

spend

time

by

lending

a ear,

of

trust,

alone

and

While not a fun topic, during summer it

unsupervised, lack self-confidence and

is even more important for parents and

self-esteem, and are isolated from their

teens to be alert to these dangers. Here

peers. They might offer goods, such as

are some tips to look for if you think

games, give rides, or buy treats and

your

in

gifts as tokens of friendship. Scheduling

something that could be anything from,

a church or community Kid & Parent

might not serve them well to grooming

Trafficking 101 from Fabulous Faithful

them from a predator.

Freedom Fighters, Inc. is helpful in

child

might

be

involved

facilitating this meaningful and needed 1. BE PROACTIVE! Warn

kids

of

conversations. These can be scheduled

potential dangers (age-appropriate) of

locally or globally through the internet.

online

activity

before

something

happens.

5. There are safety apps that parents

2. Teach your kids about sex. Teach

can install on Android and iPhone

them your values and your beliefs.

products that monitor a child’s mobile

Then keep talking to them about sex

phone activity and sends alerts of key

and what is healthy and appropriate.

phrases, key words and videos by

Just talk straight to them. You might

alerting

think it is hard but talking about them

registered mobile devise. Also making

being sexually violated by a predator is

anonymous accounts on Instagram,

a lot harder.

Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat, etc. to

parents

through

their

quietly monitor your kid’s social media 3. Trust your gut. You know your child.

postings.

If you are seeing changes in your teen’s attitude,

I can not stress enough how important

language, demeanor or the company

it is to keep track of all the activity your

they keep- pay attention-ask questions.

teen’s are participating in online.

Don’t interrogate. Just be curious. If you

behaviors,

feel like there is a problem, there might be a problem.

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

41

FEATURED HOW TO MINIMIZE BEING · If an offer seems to good to be true, it is. · Use the internet to research opportunities that come your way.

Learn to spot a scam.

PREY

· Trust your gut! That knot in the pit of your stomach & the voice in your head are good indicators of danger. Listen to that. · Tell a parent or one trusted friend what you are doing and where you are at all times. · Make sure your social media posts are on private settings. DO NOT ACCEPT INVITATIONS FROM MEN YOU DO NOT KNOW!!! 8/10 IT IS A PREDATOR!!! · Don’t be afraid to talk to your parents, a trusted friend or adult if you feel like you’ve gotten in over your head. It’s ok. We would rather you be honest & alive then to lie and die. · Traffickers and predators target runaways. Find a better way to get help than running away to deal with your problems.

We live in a world where we have

is no one size fits all remedy to this

access to information with a click of a

pain and no google search that will

button.

everyday

provide relief. As a mental health

It is important to understand that we

problems are met with "There is an app

counselor, I can tell you sometimes

individually experience a traumatic

for that." Our days are scheduled to the

thee answers you are looking for are

event, meaning my experience will be

minute, our lives are planned step by

not exactly clear, apparent, or easily

different from the next person. So if

step, and time is our greatest currency.

prescribed.

there were 5 people who were there at

With all of this access and freedom to

So what defines trauma? When we

the same exact time, the same event

choose, is there possibly an illusion

have been affected, hurt, damaged,

will

that we are safe from tragedy? In

heinously

dreams

experiences. Some may walk away

hindsight, is there always something

shattered… What happens when we

unscathed while others will need time

we could have done differently?

become the victim?

for recovery. This is also one of the

There are moments in our lives we

A traumatic event is an occurrence that

extremely isolating and lonely. It can

simply cannot explain and more so

is deeply distressing and according to

be difficult to receive help when we

difficult to fully understand. When we

the American Psychiatric Association,

know no one else experienced what

experience loss and the overwhelming

an event(s) that involved actual or

you have experienced.

burden

physical

threatened death or serious injury, or a

damage can sometimes be a fraction

threat to the physical integrity of self or

of the pain we feel. After trauma, there

others, and which involved fear

Solutions

to

helplessness, or horror.

LIFE AFTER TRAG beaten

down,

have

created

5

different

reasons why being a victim can be

42

of

tragedy,

the

Sometimes we may even refuse to be

EDY

11%

14%

26%

of Florida teens have experienced sexual dating violence in the last year.

of Florida teens who report they have felt sad or hopeless in the last year.

labeled as a victim as this word

lives. This choice is made every

conveys a sense of loss or weakness.

day and sometimes one minute to the

We may deny our trauma altogether in

next. Like a muscle in our bodies, we

fear that to admit being a victim would

exercise this choice to regain strength.

mean that is who we really are;

When we are resilient after trauma, we

helpless.

own our stories and we choose hope over fear.

It is my belief that, we as humans cannot avoid tragedy. We cannotÂ

I am writing to tell you, there is life

control every aspect of our lives no

after loss. There is peace and meaning

matter how advanced we as a society

in this world, you will find purpose, and

become. The essence of our being iour

you will be the author of your narrative.

ability to adapt to negative change and

Being a victim is a momentary label

to find peace after tragedy.

used

to

solidify,

"Yes,

I

have

experienced unavoidable tragedy." The Clinically, Resiliency.

the The

term

is

Trauma

moments in your life after "I was a

healing

process

victim" will be your decision.

requires us to choose what we do with our pain and what we make of our

By Courtney A. Faunce, M.A., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern IMH 16553

of Florida teens who report they have seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year.

FEATURED

Why

cooperate in more diverse situations.

Social benefits – Volunteering engages

volunteerism important? It has a

is

Community

Volunteerism also provides a service

students with the community, creates

number of important benefits.

to those who need it most. Here are

special bonds with the people being

· Engaging in community service

some of the common benefits of

served, and increases social awareness,

provides

participation in a community service

responsibility, accountability, and impacts

program:

their work ethic.

opportunity

students to

Service

with

become

or

the active

members of their community and has

· Psychological benefits

a lasting, positive impact on society

· Social benefits

Cognitive benefits – Volunteering helps

at large. Being part of something

· Cognitive benefits

students

bigger helps students fit in and see

Let’s take a brief look at each of these.

knowledge, grow from new experiences,

the

cCommunity

service

or

develop

their

personal

better interpersonal

volunteerism enables students to

Psychological benefits –Volunteering

acquire life skills and knowledge that

increases overall life satisfaction and

they wouldn’t necessarily have an

helps

about

Participating in community service not

opportunity to get. Communication

themselves because they are helping

only makes a difference to the people

skills in general are gained as well as

others. It has also been shown to help

being served, but also makes a difference

taking and giving direction, better

decrease stress and ease depression.

to every student’s career

questioning techniques, and realtime

problem-solving

skills

are

learned.

Many service opportunities promote team-building skills that will serve students well for the rest of their lives. Working with a team or group outside of a classroom situation is a much different experience which broadens a student’s ability to get along and cooperate in more diverse situations.

Volunteerism also provides a service to those who need it most. Here are

44

and

enhance

WWW.UNMAZE.ME

students

feel

good

communication skills.

RESOURCES Volunteer Opportunities: LOCAL

STATE

Feeding South Florida Broward.Org Cape Coral Parks & Rec United Way- Lee County Jupiter, Florida Goodwill of SWFL Clean the World- Orlando

prospects.

Service

networking

tool,

is

can

a help

Habitat for Humanity American Red Cross Volunteer Florida Florida State Parks Florida State Fair Florida Juvenile Justice Florida Department of Children & Families

great

that the aim of the cause is making a

build

difference.

relationships with local businesses, and offers exposure to potential

3.

employers. Students are able to build

interests and skills with the needs of

Find

ways

to

integrate

their resumes with work-related skills

others. It’s important for them to

prior to their graduation.

ensure that while they are helping

others they are improving their own

We know that community service

skills, enhancing their resume, and

and volunteerism are a good thing, so

creating

here are four (4) tips to pass along to

ultimately help them.

connections

their

that

will

students to help them maximize their 4. When possible, they should involve

service efforts:

friends or family members in their 1. Whenever possible align their

service. An experience shared is

service to issues, people, and causes

doubly enjoyed. Whether a task is

that they care about. It’s only natural

fun or not, serving alongside family

that they will care about some things

or friends makes for a better time.

more than others, and that’s OK.

So, we know that service to others is

Service is not simply a matter of

important on several different levels,

choosing the right thing, but also

and that it has benefits to those being

choosing what’s right for them.

served as well as to the server. The benefits far outweigh the efforts

involved but there are ways to take

2. Serve groups, organizations, or

better control of the entire process.

causes with transparent aims and

In short, serving others is truly a win-

results.

win activity that every student should

It

will

feel

better

and

create better outcomes when they can

see

that

what

be involved with!

they’re

accomplishing and

By Dave Smith, CEO & Founder of SafeSteps, www.thesafesteps.com

HEALTH

How to THRIVE in Your Life Are you tired of not doing what you desire? Are you tired of listening to everyone else’s advice on how you should or shouldn’t live your life? Are you

fed

up

with

other

people

squashing your dreams?

You know there is more to life. You know what you desire. Yet, you don’t want to hurt other people’s feelings by doing what you know is best. I get it. I have been there. Done that. Got the tshirt! There comes a time, a turning point, when you realize enough is enough. You are tired of shrinking your dreams. You are tired of playing it safe and small. You realize it is time you are in the power seat of your life and it is time to THRIVE. The only question remaining is how, right? Isn’t it always the how’ that stumps us? Well loves, today’s your luck day. I am sharing with you how to Get in the Power Seat and THRIVE.

I outlined how to THRIVE in the following paragraphs in a simple, easy way, so you can remember each guiding step. Each letter in THRIVE represents the steps you take to enable your life and dreams to grow, blossom, and shine bright for the world to see. Here it is:

T- Trust Trust yourself. Trust yourself with all might.

You

are

capable

of

conquering your fears. You are brave and

powerful

beyond

measure.

Trust yourself in the simplest of things you choose to do. Start simply by

46

would realize 98% of our thoughts,

you would do when you said you

feelings, and emotions are not our

would do it. If you told your sister you

own. If we were honest with ourselves

were going to call her tonight. Call her

we would realize we want more. We

tonight. If you feel you don’t have time

deserve more. We want to stand up for

to chat with her or something else

ourselves. We want to shout from the

came up, call her anyway because you

roof top just how beautiful we really

said you would. Simply follow through

are… but we are afraid of what other

with what you said you would do when

people will do and say, so we stop

you said you would do it because this

ourselves. Be honest with yourself.

action will build trust within yourself.

You’re more loved than you know.

your

following through with what you said

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H- Honest

R- Respect

Be honest with yourself. It is easy to

Respect yourself. Each time you don’t

believe what other people have told us

do what you know is right for you, you

our

feel

tell yourself that you don’t respect

what they share with us is the truth. If

entire

life

because

we

yourself enough to follow through with

we were honest with ourselves, we

what you want. It can be as simple as

watching the TV program you want to

tone of the day and live a more

watch. It could be going for a walk

intentional

when no one else in your household

appreciate yourself, the more others

wants to go. Or maybe you choose to

will appreciate you. The more you

go to the pool, sit alone, and read a

value yourself, the more others will

book when you have been afraid to do

value you.

anything alone your whole life. These

E- Empower

are just examples of how you can prove to yourself you respect yourself.

life.

The

more

you

Empower yourself. Step outside of your comfort zone. Shake off the fear

I- Intentional Conversations

of what others will think of you. Their

Have intentional conversations with others. Don’t just talk to hear yourself talk. Don’t text or read a book at the dinner table or when you are with another person. Be purposeful with your conversations. When you have intentional conversations, you set the expectations conversations,

and

tone

allowing

of the

the other

people to trust you and reciprocate the action.

Intentional

conversations

eliminate assumptions being made on your behalf and other’s. They can be loving, yet direct and to the point. You set the tone and purpose of your conversation. A lot less heartache will occur

when

you

have

emotions and reactions are of no relevance to your existence. So who cares if you haven’t worked out in years?

Do it for you! It will be

empowering. Who cares if you haven’t gone to the movies alone? Do it for you! It will be empowering. Who cares if you haven’t ever had a significant other in your life? Experience this life the way you want to experience it. Do it for you! It will be empowering. Who cares if you haven’t ever traveled to Vietnam? Do it for you! It will be empowering. Whatever you choose to do, BE in the power seat of your life!

Trust me. IT IS EMPOWERING!!

intentional

conversations!

The reason we stay the stay the same

is we don’t believe we are capable of

V- Value

the change we want. Most of us seek

others

Value yourself. Appreciate yourself. Be

hoping someone will believe in us until

grateful for all the positive attributes

we are able to believe in ourselves.

you possess and share with others

Know that I am here for you. I am

around

the

believing in you, even if I don’t know

morning before my feet hit the floor, I

you. You have someone in your corner

simply state Thank you.’ I am stating

cheering you on, believing in you,

thank you to me, to the home I am in,

uplifting you, and hoping the best for

the people around me, to the Universe,

you always.

to God, to all wonderful experiences

coming into my life. By simply valuing

Here’s to YOU, THRIVING in your life!

myself,

you.

this

For

instance,

very

in

moment

wakefulness, enables me to set the

of

approval

because

we

are

By Sarah Sparks, at Create the Spark

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47

FASHION SPONSORED ARTICLE

Color Street: Summer Fashion

By Tracey Malone, Color Street Stylist color

combos,

beautiful

blues

and

graphic prints just to name a few. I’ve been partial to our Atlantis set which combines blue, purple glitter and prints all in one with ease.

Not ready to go for that much color this year? Then you will love that nudes and pastel pinks have been hitting the runway as well! Thankfully we have two nudes in our line, Giza Sands and Upper East Side, so you can find your perfect nude. We also have strips that go on dry with no special tools, no heat and no dry time, cost between $11 to $14 a set and lasts up to 14 days.

While there are an abundance of trends this year, I’m focusing on ones that you can replicate using Color Street, NO ART

Charleston Blush and At The Plaza if you prefer the pink route. Love these colors but want to punch it up a bit? Consider a dainty floral or a rose gold glitter. There’s a reason that Tokyo Lights is one of our most beloved styles.

SKILLS REQUIRED!!

If you prefer French tips let me give you an Every year, Pantone selects their color of the year. If you haven’t heard, this

idea – switch out the traditional white tip for a gold metallic or even black! I love the layered French that has been popping up

year’s color is Ultra Violet which is a Why, hello there summer! It’s time to shed the

beautiful and rich purple. Our version is

winter clothes, bare some skin and prep those

called Saigon Queen. I love this color

nails for all the summer fun to be had! Just like

because anyone can wear it and it can

you refresh your wardrobe, shoes and hair it is

easily be combined with some of the other

time to give some thought to your nails.

trends this year such as glitter or metallic

Whether you prefer short nails or stiletto, I

accents. Glitter has been seen mixed with

have some ideas that I’m sure you will fall in

black and even prints like leopard this

love with. In full disclosure, I am a stylist with

year.

Color Street which offers 100% nail polish This year almost anything goes – 2

more and more. It’s a fun and subtle way to add a small pop of color.

When it comes down to it, this year is all about having fun and exploring all the amazing things you can do with nail art.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it as long as you’re having fun. After all, it’s just nail polish!

Now pardon me as I go change up my nails – a purple and gold combo are calling my name!

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