A letter from Aug 15, 2024

Dear FutureMe, Throughout the Restorative Practice Conversations, I learned how these teachings can help create a brave space where everyone feels empowered to share their thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. The circle was rewarding, I was able to discover new things about my classmates that I wouldn't have known before attending a circle. However, I found our online circle one of the weeks less satisfying. It lacked the genuine connection I felt during the in-person interactions. I noticed I have a natural strength of being outgoing and bringing a fun side to everything I do. This helps in creating an engaging and supportive environment for those around me. One lesson that will stay with me is the importance of building a brave space to create open and honest communication. I plan to use this understanding to ensure that every individual feels heard and valued in my future practices. Recognizing I may share similar issues with the children and youth I work with, I am to trust myself and be invested in the work I do in the field. This will help me connect with the young people I support in a more meaningful way. Through the 5 steps of a Restorative Conversation, I will use these steps to build and maintain brave spaces, which will be important to foster genuine connections. In the future I can envision myself running circles, using the skills and insights I have gained to facilitate open and constructive discussions. One of my practicum goals is to trust in my abilities and stay committed to my work, knowing my experiences and challenges can be valuable in understanding and supporting the children and youth I work with. I am eager to learn more about the different milieus and environments where I could potentially work, as well as the salary opportunities in this field. This will help me make informed decisions about the career path I want to have. Regards, Phoenix Miller-Bush