The power of self-reflection in youth development work

By Nicole Kudrle

I recently completed the county 4-H showcase, a 5-day event that is focused around youth development and showcases youth’s sparks. This event  consists of long hot days, jam-packed schedules, lots of volunteer help, and loads of fun and laughter! This year was no exception, however I was also provided with lots of unanticipated challenges throughout the week. 

During the first evening we encountered a very large storm that incorporated wind, dirt/sand, rain, and even hail. I am happy to say no injuries were reported. As someone who works in youth development, my first instinct was to make sure everyone was okay, help clean up after the storm, and then immediately start to think on what could be done to improve the situation for next time. 

As I was leaving that evening, a 4-H volunteer stopped me and asked, "What was the best part of my day". I was stumped, my mind had been so focused on how to address the unforeseen event and how to improve things, that I forgot to take time to think about all of the good things that happened during the  day. After I paused for a minute, I responded with how 4-H youth and adults worked side by side to clean up everything after the storm. As I drove home that night, I thought about all of the really cool things that happened during the day, and how proud I was of the youth and their families in the county 4-H program. Not just because of how they collectively managed the storm, but all the ways they cooperated, throughout the entire day.   

Reflection is embedded in our youth development work. In the Weikart Youth Program Quality Pyramid, reflection is at the very top as one of the most rewarding and sometimes difficult pieces to incorporate into our work with youth. As a youth development professional I struggle with this self-reflection process.

There are many great benefits to self-reflection and it is important because it can:

• Give you a new perspective. When we are in the moment we are thinking about what is next or what just happened. When we take time to reflect we can step back and look at the entire picture.
• Improve relationships. Reflecting on how we treat others can help improve relationships within our offices and within our organizations.
• Allows for personal growth. Self-reflection allows you to evaluate your strengths and challenges. It can help you identify areas of growth.
• Be used as a tool for change. Self-reflection lets you identify areas that need to be changed, and allows you to develop a plan to make those changes. 

Here are a few tips on how to be better with self-reflection as a youth development professional:

• Journal. I have started to keep a small notebook in my work bag that allows me to jot down reflections before I get in the car and when I am done with my drive. I do some of my best reflecting in the car.
• Seek support. In my case, I had two volunteers who spontaneously asked me the same question each day. This can be applied to our everyday lives by seeking support from co-workers, volunteers, or others who are part of your team and or organization.
• Have a conversation with yourself. Sometimes it is easier to process things verbally than it is to do it in writing. This is something that I do often, especially when I am in my office by myself. 
• Take a walk. When we are outside and in nature our mood naturally improves. It's also a place I use to clear my head so I can reflect. 

How are you practicing self-reflection in your youth development work? Is this something that you currently do? How might you apply reflection in your day to day responsibilities?

-- Nicole Kudrle, Extension educator

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