Summer 2020 Waterfront Ambassadors program draws to a close
Eleven high school students from around the City of Boston joined The Trustees Boston Waterfront Initiative team this summer, as the Waterfront Ambassadors.
Though the program looked a little different compared to prior years due to social distancing concerns, the teens were still able to meet and learn virtually from a variety of partner organizations including representatives from the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway, Harborkeepers, the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, and other local artists, organizers, and educators.
The group also found ways to get outside while maintaining safe social distancing, including through regular, independent exploration of nearby public gardens and parks, to assess and think about what makes these places welcoming, valued spaces.
The final week of the program began with guest speaker Rebecca Herst, Director of the Sustainable Solutions Lab at UMass Boston. Together the group discussed the different ways that climate change may impact Boston, and how those working in the field of climate justice are trying to mitigate the inequitable effects of climate change on marginalized communities.
“The Ambassadors found this work really interesting and many of them were excited to become more involved in social justice and climate justice work during the school year,” said Program Manager Sarah Plotkin.
Later in the week, the final guest speaker of the summer offered a valuable opportunity for professional development, with a presentation from TD Bank Assistant Vice President and Store Manager Jim Culhane on personal finances. The Ambassadors were able to learn about the different types of checking and savings accounts, what it meant to get a credit card, how to build credit, and how to create and maintain a budget.
“The Ambassadors were thankful for the opportunity to learn about some of these complicated concepts and tools, and had many questions for him,” noted Plotkin.
The season ended with a virtual roundtable discussion between the teens, with each Ambassador sharing one thing from the program that they learned, and didn’t want to forget, including: "growth mindset," "facilitation skills," and "teamwork."
Plotkin added, “We were all grateful for the experiences we've had together this summer!”
In this week’s photo diary explore end-of-summer slides designed by each Ambassador. Each slide includes a self portrait, plus images of some of their favorite photography, and projects from throughout the season, along with their thoughts on what they will take from the program:
Brittany R: The most valuable thing I learned from the Waterfront Ambassador program was how to take a step back and be mindful. This program taught me so much but I am most grateful that it opened my eyes to the potential of each community, and the different opportunities there are for us teenagers to get involved. I learned to value yet scrutinize the space I live in. I was able to educate myself more about environmental justice and other social issues, as well as connect with such great people. Now I am aware and ready to be a part of something dynamic. This program opened a door for my colleagues and I, and I am sure it will benefit our future. I am beyond grateful for this learning experience.
Emily C: This summer was interesting as everything was on Zoom, but it was fun. I did this program last year and when I compare the two years, this year I grew more with people and I have learned more about facilitation. Facilitation is something I have struggled with but because of this program, I grew over time and felt comfortable speaking with others. Because of my coworkers, I was able to be myself and they helped me be comfortable with speaking. I am BEYOND grateful for this summer, even through its technical difficulties, with the skills I learned, I know I will be able to apply it to the real world.
Emily D: This summer I learned many things with the Waterfront Ambassadors. One of the most meaningful lessons was how important it is to be connected to your community. We did a tremendous amount of work with our communities. Small things like spreading joy and imagining potential green space and big things like sending surveys out. All this work made us more connected with our community which is very important.
Sophia T: This summer I learned how to get more comfortable with being silly, and did some activities that are a little out of my comfort zone, but were fun. This is meaningful to me because I feel like I have gained a growth mindset slowly over the summer while also being able to have fun with the Ambassadors and doing activities and projects with them. Getting out of my comfort zone means that I have grown as a person and I have gained more skills this summer. It's a team I will always be proud to be part of!
Kevin C: What I was able to learn over the summer as a Waterfront Ambassador was information about how sea level rise can impact my community. I learned how it can rise up to two feet which is very high, even if It doesn't sound like it. This was the first time that I heard of sea level rise in my neighborhood.
Gloriann Z: This summer I learned how to communicate clearly and freely. I realized how it can help troubleshoot problems. Communicating seemed like something that is nerve-wracking but doing something uncommon allowed me to be more comfortable around my peers and helped me clarify what I'm supposed to be doing. Instead of being shy and private, voicing my opinions not only loosens the tension of the environment but also helps facilitate the conversation.
Sergio F: Something I learned over this summer was that a growth mindset is very important because I want to grow as a person over my future years. This is meaningful to me because I grew a lot individually and made more connections this year with the program especially making new friends throughout the summer. Also I became more outgoing as a result of the facilitation exercises which I am truly grateful for and will appreciate for the rest of my life.
Emily H: This summer I learned the importance of community engagement and community outreach. I think it's really important that people are able to voice their opinions in order to create a welcoming and enjoyable space. In addition, I also got to know my neighborhood in ways I never thought I would, like how sea level rise can impact Charlestown, or hidden gems I only discovered during this time. It was definitely a memorable time during these past couple months getting to know these amazing people.
Jessica Z: I've always been a shy person. This program challenged my facilitation skills with lots of public speaking and activity leading. I learned things like how to pace myself, relax, and communicate what I'm trying to say clearly, all meaningful skills that I'll take with me to college and beyond.
Clare A: This summer was my first time being in a summer program, and working with other Waterfront Ambassadors really made this experience worthwhile. What I learned in this program was improving my growth mindset. I never really thought much about it before, but through our many works of facilitation, I could see it grow and grow. It was a bit challenging to face certain situations, but I learned not to be. That's what I can take away from this program as it encourages you to do your best, and keep trying even if it's difficult for you. Because in the end, you'll benefit from it. I'm not alone, and you are not alone. All the hard work will pay off, and all those obstacles will teach you something you haven't experienced before.
Rabab B: The most valuable thing I have learned from The Trustees is confidence. This program has been an amazing experience and a very needed push to get me to grow into becoming a great public speaker. I feel very confident when going to speak and it truly feels amazing. I’m so excited about all the new friends i’ve made.
To see more blogs from the 2020 Ambassadors, click here. To read blogs from the 2019 program, click here.