Every teen’s life is worth documenting. That documentation can happen in a scrapbook, a journal, or as with many youth in foster care it happens in a life book. A scrapbook contains an artsy collection of photos of (professional and unprofessional) special moments and fun life events. A journal can contain personal ideas and thoughts about any topic that one is moved to write about. A life book chronicles personal life experiences including family background, housing placements, and medical history. I recommend that all youth, including youth in foster care, document their lives with a professional portfolio.
A professional portfolio chronicles academic and career endeavors to give employers, recruiters, and athletic scouts a complete picture of who someone is. A professional portfolio documents past achievements using employment tools, academic records, and documentation of civic engagement activities. Although the process of creating a professional portfolio may be a little less artsy and free flowing than a scrapbook or a journal it can still be fun and creative. A portfolio can provide a boost of confidence to a teen that browses through pages of their achievements and accolades instead of replaying mistakes and disappointments in their minds. A life book may help a teen in foster care explore their emotions and better understand their placement in the system but recognizing their talents and strengths and documenting their past accomplishments and future goals can also provide similar comforting benefits.
Young people who create professional portfolios in our Packaged For Success™ Youth Portfolio Development Program cultivate and strengthen organizational and leadership skills. Another benefit of our Packaged For Success™ program is our peer mentoring component that allows youth to take part in a group community service project. Our Packaged For Success™ Program uses interactive games and activities to help youth create their own definition of success while developing life-long success habits. They are aware of how to use their portfolio in professional environments and also have the knowledge and skills to continually update their portfolio as they progress and mature.
Summer break is a perfect time for your youth to be “Packaged For Success”! Contact us to bring our Packaged For Success™ Program to your summer camp, residential facility, school, church, or library.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox provides youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic enrichment opportunities to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs.