Empowering Youth Through Creativity: Fernanda’s Story
Fernanda’s journey with Big Thought began in 2023 when she started as a teaching artist for Creative Solutions, a 30-year-old Big Thought program which serves as an arts-as-workforce intervention for youth who have encountered the criminal justice system. Bringing her experiences growing up in Brazil along with a background in childcare and the arts, she was ready to make an impact.
“I was so happy to be there – to make a difference”, Fernanda says. “I can take everything I’d learned in my past and apply it here and share my knowledge with youth in the program.”
Beyond Creative Solutions, Fernanda’s work in Dallas Juvenile Justice facilities like Medlock, a maximum-security environment, is grounded in an understanding of the importance of having a strong Social & Emotional Foundation.
Sometimes, with these kids, there’s oppression, there’s a lot of fear, they’re a product of their environment. I try to show them how changing your perspective is as important as changing your environment. I like to reinforce their ability to have confidence – to believe in themselves.
Fernanda strives to give youth a space to relax, connect, and express themselves creatively, telling them “We’re going to concentrate on the time we do have together. Let’s forget where we are right now, and instead focus on what we can control.” She says “I let them know that strong emotions are like a wave. They crash hard, then recede. It’s temporary, both the good and the bad. Learning how to regulate and control that reaction is what gives you the power in situations like that.”
“Social and emotional learning is essential. After they recognize that, it’s much easier for them to connect to the message you’re bringing”.
Speaking about using art to connect with youth, Fernanda says “When I work with justice-involved youth, they don’t have much positive feedback – or the chance to try something new. They’ve sometimes been very limited in what they’ve been exposed to. Art seems out of reach for them. When they see something that they did – that they’re allowed to do, they thrive.”
Fernanda’s journey as a teaching artist showcases the powerful impact of applying Big Thought’s Creator Archetype domains to empower youth. She connects deeply with young people who might otherwise feel overlooked. She draws on the domains, particularly Social & Emotional Foundation, to help youth channel their creativity into healthy, productive outlets.
By fostering a strong social and emotional foundation with the youth she works with, Fernanda is able to help them discover a strength and belief in themselves that they carry with them beyond their time with her.
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