iSpeak on Educating Our Youth

Time is an investment we need to give our children. Everything else will follow. Time to listen so they talk, time to hang out with them so they don't hang out. Let's reject the healthcare "system" we have now, and instead let's struggle for universal, single-payer health insurance for all Americans.

Miriam Kho
Registered nurse
Beth Israel Medical Center
New York City

I feel there are not enough programs to keep children or even teenagers busy.  A lot of people really cannot afford to pay for their child to be in some of the programs that are offered. So the child is left out and has to find a way of keeping oneself busy.  I am a parent of 6 children. I have a daughter that wants to be in dance. I don't want to put her in because this week I may be able to put the money out and next week I may not. I also have a son that wants to go to basketball camp. I don't want to put the money out this week and can't put it out next week. So this is why some children get involved into the wrong things, not because they really want to. It is just they want to belong to something.

Darlene Scott
Administrative secretary
St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center
New York City

I think there should be more after school programs for kids. Kids have a lot of free time on their hands and that's what gets them into trouble. Also there should be a system put into place of big brothers/sisters of volunteers who are willing to participate in helping and educating our children. And I believe some of the parents need to be educated and counseled as the discipline and caring starts from the home.

Yvel Calderon
Secretary
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
The Bronx, NY

I am a parent of two teenagers and each day is a challenge to attempt to combat the various negative influences that face our children today. The pressures that our children face are  unimaginable compared to days of old. I have adopted the concept that the "Don't ask, Don't tell” theory is not applicable in today's society. I have prepared myself to accept all the things that may be uncomfortable but necessary to hear in order to help me in helping my children. I feel that shared communication is critical to parents helping and saving our children from the many ills this society has to offer. My advice to other parents who struggle to maintain their positive positions in their children lives is to be open, objective and understanding to what our children face in order to diminish the influence of the "streets". I also dare parents to show unconditional love in the face of all that we face as parents to assure our kids that we are still connected, and to be vigilant in your approach at all costs to never give up on our kids "no matter what". We don't have to lose the battle if we are united in our approach.

Renee Barden
Contract management
Montefiore Medical Center
The Bronx, NY

I think that any time someone takes the time to really sit down and speak with a positive attitude to people, they tend to listen. It has a lot to do with believing in what you are speaking about. Educating a community is like educating your family, You have to take your time and prove your statement(s).

Margie Rodriguez
Accounts receivable clerk
Brookdale Hospital
Brooklyn, NY