Blog Feed

1. Taylor, Daniel. "Teen Pregnanc'ys High Cost." Philly.com. N.p., 30 08 2012. Web. 13 Feb 2013. <http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-30/news/33477284_1_teen-mothers-teen-pregnancy-rate-teen-births>.

This is a magazine article written by Dr. Daniel Tosh, who is a pediatrician at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. In this he is talking about how at his office he sees teen mothers all the time. And even though the teen pregnancy rate in the nation is down from previous years, that the United States is still number one for teenage mothers. And that in Philadelphia it is a major problem. He explains that teenage pregnancy is not good for the mothers or their children for many reasons. This connects to my project greatly because they both are saying exactly what the problem in Philadelphia with teenage pregnancy is, and why it is a problem.

2. Basch, Charles Journal of School Health; October 2011, Vol. 81 Issue 10, p614-618, 5p

This is an article that was written by Charles Basch. He wrote it for the Journal of School Health. In this he is talking statistically about teen pregnancy. Saying things like how a teenage girl is less likely to finish high school yet go on to college. And that for urban youth it is even worst. Also that maybe one of the only ways to prevent is to enforce programs that better educate urban youth on the topic. This is a source that is great for our project. I say this because this article sums up everything our project is trying to show to people. 

3. Weiss, Robin. "Teen Pregnancy." About.com. N.p., 01 11 2009. Web. 13 Feb 2013. <http://pregnancy.about.com/od/teenpregnancy/a/Teen-Pregnancy.htm>.

This is an article written by Robin Weiss, LCCE. She is  a childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, doula trainer, and lactation counselor. In this specific article she is explaining teen pregnancy.  Exactly what risk come along when a teenager has a baby and things of that nature. As well as also explaining the fact that even though there are so many risk that teenage girls are still capable of being suitable mothers. This article is very important to our project. Because it addresses the problem that we are researching as well as give reasons to why it is a "problem".

4. Haswell, Jasmine. Personal Interview. 13 02 2013.

This is an interview that was done with an 18 year old named Jasmine who is my friend. She herself is a teen mother. She is not living with her daughter because she has to finish trade school now. But because she had a child as a 16 year old, she had to stop going to school to become a mother. She is an expert in the area of teen motherhood, and would be very beneficial to the project.

5. Williams, Wanda. 14 02 2013. 02 . Print.

This interview was with my Aunt Wanda. She had two kids as a teenager and still went to college and graduated from there. And a couple of her children had children of their own when they were teenagers. She is an expert because she herself experienced being a teen parent, as well as how the cycle that statistics show that have to do with teen pregnancy are right in some cases. It is because of this that she would be good for our project.

Spanish Letter

Las clases que yo tienen inglés, español, bioquímica, ingeniería, arte, geometría. Mi clase favorita son inglés y arte. En el arte siempre tiene un lápiz y papel. Es importante para dibujar. En el inglés es requerido tener un cuaderno. En la clase de inglés siempre escribimos y participamos. No me gusta mucho geometría porque es muy aburrida. En Inglés tenemos que libros. Necesitamos plumas. En geometría tenemos que una calculadora. Es requerido una carpeta. Su importante tener una lápiz y borrador. En la clase de geometría siempre trabajamos duro y intentamos a participar. Siempre prestar preparado en SLA.

. "Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010." , 13 Sep 2011. Web. 14 Feb. 2013.

The Census Bureau stated the amount of people in poverty by race and origin, and the difference between between 2009 and 2010. This may show how people were wealthy and over a year end up in poverty. The reason why this issue may have become this way may be because of different reasons, mainly because of decisions. The main influence on this problem and it's future would be to help these people in poverty to get back on their feet and make the right choices that aren't going to lead them back into poverty, but to have a better outcome for their lives.

http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb11-157.html

Gamble, I. "World Neighbors Finds Solutions to the Root Causes of Poverty." , Web. 14 Feb 2013.

This source explains what poverty is, and how poverty affects people and their daily lives. People who are living in poverty can't afford food which makes them lack from nutrition in their system. The reason why this source helps out the reasons of poverty is because it explains thoroughly what people go through when in poverty and how they can't make decisions that others have opportunities of, they have to live and sacrifice with what they have. People in working neighbors work to find solutions to help improve the causes of the people in poverty.

Holmes, Jamie. "Why Can’t More Poor People Escape Poverty?." , 06 Jun 2011. Web. 13 Feb 2013.

"Effects of Poverty, Hunger, and Homelessness on Children and Youth." Effects of Poverty, Hunger, and Homelessness on Children and Youth. Ferndale, n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http:// www.ferndale.wednet.edu/drupal/sites/default/files/ APAEffectsofHomelessness.pdf>. This source lists a rather large list of parameters and categories that different children could fall into to be considered homeless. Then it goes on to list some potential influences that may end up leading to certain youths then becoming homeless youths and finally it lists some potential consequences for such youths either in the near future or later in their lives.

"Homeless Children: America's New Outcasts." Homeless Children: America's New Outcasts. National Center on Family Homelessness, n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http:// www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/ ArchitecturePlanning/ discover/centers/CYE/Publications/ Documents/outcasts.pdf>. This is a pdf published out of the National Center on FamilyHomelessness, and it lists some common causes for youth homelessness and some things that result from being a homeless youth all of which have accompanying statistics. Then on top of that there are some more statistics about homeless youths in general.

Clouser, Leigh. "Child Homelessness In Philadelphia." Message to Leigh. Clouser. 19 Feb 2013. E-mail. This interview took much longer than I had originally expected it to take, I had emailed the organization and then after some time they sent me the name of one of the people that works there. This person got back to me extremely quickly, they have been working with the organization Standup for kids for a total of 4 years now and they have worked in two of the different offices that the organization has.  They talk about some of the problems related to Homelessness of children like those having to do with sexual orientation and informing their parents of this fact. 

"NRCPFC: Homeless Families and Child Welfare." NRCPFC: Homeless Families and Child Welfare. NRCPFC, 2012. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/info_services/ homeless-families-and-child-welfare.html>. This is another one of those sites that lists a lot of pdf's that you can go and download so that your average person could go and find more out about the issue of youth homelessness in the country. Also it has some brief explanations of where those pdf's would take you and what they would tell the reader.

Quarels, Alfred. "Office of Specialized Services." Homeless Children's Initiative. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http:// webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/s/oss/programs--services/ homeless-initiative>. This source lists a whole bunch of options and programs that the city has put into place in order to help homeless children go to school and get the things that they need to do well in school. Also It has some things that they can do after  school to help get an edge of sorts and to help them feel like they are actually doing something in the world.

"StandUp For Kids in the News." StandUp For Kids. N.p., 2012. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http://www.standupforkids.org/news/default.aspx>.

This page has a whole host of information about some different programs and organizations related to the subject of youth homelessness. However this page is primarily being used for the picture in the right column that contains a large number of statistics about LGBT homeless youths.

Dear Philly, 

or Philadelphia, 

whichever you prefer,

I am Claire, and I am your daughter, though you may not know me among your hundreds of other children. 

We walk in the Historic Shadows of your Historic Halls. 

We sit on oversized buttons and under LOVE statues that are perhaps too small.

You may not know me, but I know you. 

So much more than melted cheese on meat in buns,

Even more than history and cobble stones.

Philadelphia, My lovely Philadelphia,

You are murals of trash on walls, Glass becoming sunshine- glowing.

You are gratified South St. where people are not afraid to live, where rainbows fly high, and I have danced in the heaviest of rain.

You are streets lit up with yellow lights sending beams reflecting and refracting on snow, or maybe its just powdered glitter. And under white precipitate blankets that morning- Silence. As even the birds sleep in.

You are Odunde with bright colors flashing and deep rumbling drums bringing the core of other lands to my sidewalk. 

Philadelphia, My sweet Philadelphia,

You are quaker peace, but never submissive. 

You are enduring old and sparkling new.

You are bike rides along muddy rivers and the brightest of the reddest leaves

You are winters much too cold and dry, and summers much too hot and humid.

You are red brick and blue skies and howling howling winds

Philadelphia, My darling Philadelphia,

You are SEPTA which I sometimes hate, but freedom which I always love.

You are more than just a grid

You are so much better than the history books say

Dependable and trustworthy, 

You were always the best of mothers.

Philadelphia, My lovely, sweet, darling Philadelphia 

To the city of brotherly love, here is a daughters feelings, overflowing in blue pencil, too much to fit on a page. 

Philly you are my heart, 

my rock,

my home, 

my guardian, 

Existing above and bellow me in peace and tumult. 

But most importantly,

Philly,

    You are mine.

                            And I am yours.

Truly and Forever, 

Claire

Favorite Spot: Schuylkill River Loop/Trail

I am, a high school senior about to move on to UPenn

Years in Philly: my whole life

Dear Philadelphia,

Of all places I love to run, it has to be along your scuzzy Schuylkill River.

I know this path backwards and forwards with my eyes closed. It's there for me when it snows in October and is 90 degrees in February, for a long run or a short one. It has seen me during my best intervals and worst hill repeats. 

While it might flood every now and then or play host to annoying regattas crowding the trail, it's seen my through training for every race I've done. It's the watering hole for amateur and season runners serving a purpose- an occasionally challenging, dependable route with mile markers and drinking fountains along the way (spring to the end of fall, anyway).

My favorite thing along this route is the angels- Three Angels, actually. Really called Playing Angels, they are huge statue angels on high pillars on the banks of the river at the junction of Kelly and Fountain Green Drives. I use them as a mile marker, a rest stop and a lot of time--motivation. I repeat mantras about just getting to 'The Angels' to complete difficult runs. At one time, getting to them was the farthest I'd ever run.

It's an escape from schoolwork and busy city life without going too far from you at all. 

With love,

Jenn

It's not easy to say this but we've got a really complicated relationship. Sometimes we're right in time with each other, other times we're minutes off. Sometimes you move too fast for me, I find myself stumbling and apologizing. Other times you move too slow, making me feel like you could care less about where I have to go. There's a lot of people that need you as much as I do. From the school students, to the officer workers, to the sleepyheads. Sometimes you clean up nice and other time I just wonder how you could let yourself go. But through it all I cherish the time we spend together. You got me through a lot these past 3 and a half years. From home to school and from school to home, I couldn't do it without you. You've accepted me when I was lonely and when I came with company. I guess what I'm saying is, through all the hustle and bustle I still love you. I'll always be here to fill that empty space in your cart.

Yours Truly,

Symone

When the dense, frigid air of winter is shucked aside, I'll be found, once again, sweating or laughing along a beautiful water front. That water front is you, Schuylkill River Trail. When I used to intern with SRDC, the Schuylkill River Development Cooperation, I spent my Friday afternoons exploring and maintaining your expanse from the  "South End" (Locust Street), to the "North End" (near the Water Works). Some days the I drove the cart, though far from expertly, along your length, receiving in a breathtaking, inner city view. Other days, that statement became quite literal when I used you as a course to run along, often scoffing at your long hills. But whether I was working or working out, you brought laughter and great memories to me; one time, I spotted 17 turtles sunbathing in one day! Josh, my old employer, and I stayed incredibly still, and watched in awe as tiny turtles began to pop their heads to the surface, and nimbly plop down on the nearest log. It was the cutest thing. Other times, there were far more serene days in which it was simply enough to just gaze out into water, high or low tide, and observe small waves bumping subtly against one another. Trail, when I think of the countless hours that I've spent with you, I can only smile. Thank you for your simple beauty, and your presence that helps me aim towards my own. Thank you giving me the intangible- pieces of happiness.

Forever with Love,

Sasha Sapp

Amanda Millatt
Favorite spot:  Clark Park
Neighborhood: University City
Address: 42nd Baltimore 

I am: A Philadelphia high school senior, and a runner, a volunteer and a aspiring doctor.
Years in Philly: 18
Current Home: University City

I do not like you. I do not like any of your local summer events that I greatly anticipate during the tedious winters. I do not like attending everyone of your monthly flee markets with my best friend. I defiantly do not like getting awesome novelty items such as an accordion or locally made jewelry for amazing prices. I do not enjoy watching the  free Shakespeare theatrical productions every year with my mother, which I want to add is well put together and humorous. I do not like snow days because I always have the best time going sledding down the massive hill at the bowl. I did not enjoy spending hours playing hiding-go-seek and giggling with my middle school friends. Most of all I dislike all the unforgettable memories that I had with you. I can not simply like you, I love everything about you. Thank you Clark Park for the best eight years of my life!

Jessica

Favorite Spot: Belmont Plateau

Neighborhood: Fairmount Park

I am: High school senior

Years in Philly: Whole Life

Not many people get to experience the many wonders that you're filled with. The delicious food, the diverse cultures, the elaborate murals, the energetic sports fanatics and the sights and sounds that are all around. I however, enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the Belmont Plateau. Although not in the city, I like to admire you from afar. Looking out over the plateau seeing how pretty you are when the sun rises and when the sun sets. So, while some might like to be amongst the bustle and liveliness in the heart of the city, I find my peace at the top of the plateau gazing at the skyline of the city. I love you Philly. Thanks for being my home. 

xoxo,

  - Jessica 

spending my first 11 years living in arms reach of a city i was desperate to be part of its busy streets. my shorts doses of  the beautiful city always made my heart flutter with excitement.  Trips to  city were my brother and I's biggest treat, whether it was a trip to the municipal building with its giant board game  pieces we use to climb  or love park with its fountain we splashed in i was in love. the city felt more like home then any other place my feet had ever landed.

The older i got the more entangled i got into the beautiful city. My weekends became packed with trips to the art museum, Franklin institute, and the academy of natural sciences. everytime i would come home i would miss the sights, sounds and smells of the city. finally at the age of 11 my parents made the decision to leave the suburbs and join the city streets.

since then i can not image life outside of this place that will forever be my home. i am so wrapped up in the movement of the city. running up the art museum steps and around the loop. shopping at the farmers markets and the Uhuru flea market. Days spent traveling around center city and chilling in places like Rittenhouse square and clark park.

With adult life quickly  approaching my heart aches to wish life in the city goodbye. i will miss being so tightly winded into these city streets. I want to thank you city for stealing my heart. what your city has offered me has molded me as a  person. i will never truly leave you because you are in my heart. i will never be able to stray to far from you and i know i will raise my kids in you someday.

with all my love 

maddie 

Me nombre es Carlitoes, Carlitoes en espanol, Charles en ingles. Yo tengo quince anos y el estudiante de Science Leadership Academy. Esta en Filadelfia PA y Es una escuela muy buena. Hay cinco plantas y cientos de estudiantes.

Las clases que tengo que tomar son español, Inglés, geometría, historia, bioquímica y almuerzo. Mis clases favoritas son bioquímica y inglés porque ellos son bastante interesantes y divertido. En mi clases yo mas so menos necesitas un lápiz, una pluma, una carpeta, una calculadora, una mochila, una computadora, un cargador, la hoja de papel,un profesor, un libro.

El señor Kay enseña drama. El clase es muy interesa y divertida. El señor Kay es bastante cómico y creativo. El es también muy bajo. El senor Reddy enseña matemáticas, Es divertido pero serio también. 

Me gusta Sla porque la medio ambiente es amoroso y bienvenida. SLA es parecerse una familia grande. Yo quire SLA ser yo familia también.