On April 26th, eleventh-grade TYWLS students arrived at the College of Mount Saint Vincent to participate in TYWLS Glows Up. Students came together to learn to talk about their accomplishments with pride and passion – a skill that will be critical for them as they enter higher education and the workforce.
Mental health consultant Regine Roy, Queen Geniuses Inc.’s founder, facilitated this year’s event. Students started their day at the College of Mount Saint Vincent by splitting into groups to discuss particular obstacles and what their “game-changing” moment in life had been thus far.
The students then participated in an exercise demonstrating how one could “sit on their throne,” with “throne” referring to their power. Ms. Roy had a participant from each TYWLS school come up to the stage and showcase what it means to fully sit on your throne, partially sit on your throne, sit behind your throne, and not sit on your throne at all. After this exercise, Ms. Roy spoke to the students about why it is essential to fully sit on your throne and not hide or do it halfway.
For the day’s final exercise, each student wrote a “brag statement.” The brag statement is a chance for students to share some of their wins (academic or non-academic) with pride. After taking time to write their statements, a student from each TYWLS school came up to the microphone to share their brag statement with the audience.
“An obstacle I overcame is surviving an entire COVID-19 pandemic. I overcame it with support from my friends and family. One thing I’m really proud of is being on the student council this year. I want to focus on having an awesome senior year!” – Ayanna, TYWLS East Harlem
Students finished the day by breaking into groups for campus tours led by student ambassadors, an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of campus life.
Thank you to Regine Roy for facilitating this incredible event and to the College of Mount Saint Vincent for hosting our students!