Quality over Quantity Maybe?

 Yooooooooooo,

    This reading was such a joy! First, the manner in which it was written allowed me to follow without using too much brain power. Secondly, it shed light and gave me clarity on the differences of quantitative and qualitative research interviewing. What each are coupled with when and how they should be deployed. Throughout the piece the author spoke to the purpose of qualitative and quantitative research interviews connecting the purpose to the when each method should be used. The description of potential outcomes of structured and loose interviews was also very insightful. Patti's story as an example of the need for a researcher to be flexible when conducting an interview was eye opening. While learning the point of qualitative research is the cumulative and not the right now also elevated a different thought process for me. I did have a question in reference to the feminist researcher perspective of female informants being more easily open to female researchers and not needing to have deep rapport built. I wonder what factors make this perspective reality to the feminist researcher? 

"More Life More Blessings"

Gamble

The Gamble Method

    Looking back at the post I wrote after looking at projects from other cohorts.  I am confident I will be able to satisfy the requirements. However, I am still curious about how I will deploy my capstone idea? I feel it should be inviting, playful, profound, unapologetic in nature. The key for me is to raise awareness to the central idea while advocating for necessary change. If I can hit the mark and deploy my capstone idea in the manner prescribed above, I would have succeeded. I want my influence to be entrenched in the betterment of BIPOC male presenting youth in the world? Focused on awareness of self, education, leadership and community service. I believe I can be reality, in the near future with continued self improvement personally and professionally. Learning from the youth I have the opportunity to collaborate with and building true adult-youth partnerships addressing areas that present obstacles to BIPOC male presenting youth achievement and development. Incorporating and elevating the importance of Care,Play,Identity, and Advocacy. Will be instrumental in the impact that will be made in totality.  To deliver my capstone project and consistently commit to working in an inviting, playful, profound, unapologetic manner is what I refer to as The Gamble Method. I assert The Gamble Method when implemented in various spaces of youth work can be an invaluable tool. Not only myself but for youth workers world wide seeking to truly affect significant change rooted in radical care and disruption.

Mrs. Steak

Damn Damage

 Suspending Damage- A Letter to Communities written by Eve Tuck was deeply interesting and upsetting to me. Interesting because it revealed so much to me personally and upsetting because of what it revealed. As I made my journey through the piece, I first had negative images of Native Indians flashing in my mind. Depicting them as subhuman. Followed by memories of stories told and read legitimizing the images. Quickly I found myself thinking of the times when I or those around me participated or was subjected to Damage Centered Research. The feelings felt and discussed during and after the participation. I also thought of an experience a peer explained when reflecting on his educational journey. I believe they used the term "used" as a young Latino youth when he and his BIPOC male presenting classmates were taken to events in efforts to gain funding and notoriety for the charter school which they attended. Moving forward thoughts of countless social media posts and feeds I see highlighting pain, despair, violence, and acts of depravity by those of urban communities.  I always ask myself why at times have I felt ashamed of who I am or where I come from? Why have I felt undeserving or have a lower value of my being? Is what I have felt normal? How do I stop these feelings from reoccurring? While continuing the reading I felt a sense of relief when a solution to Damage Centered research was elevated. Desire Centered Research, I love this research aimed at highlighting the desire one has to thrive and achieve. Research that does not mask harmful intentions rather works to be transparent in its sole intention. This piece truly made me look at individuals in communities of which I am apart in a sacred way.  Below are some images which depict some of the images and thoughts this piece brought to my mind while navigating it.

Capstone Capstone

 Yoooooo, 

    Well I'll be. Capstone is really the biggest known unknown if you ask me. I knew it was a thing and had to be done but did not really know too much about how the thing should be done, what it took for it to be done well or if I would be able to do the thing in a Gamble way. To my relief, I had the opportunity to view Capstone submissions from previous cohorts. Thank you all for aiding in my learning! Viewing these submissions granted me clarity is affording me the opportunity to reflect. Reflect on the method my predecessors delivered their submissions. Along with reflecting on the various subject matter which was elevated within their submissions. I have been able to ease my nerves and anxieties as it pertains to my own capstone subject and delivery. I now understand my capstone not only can be, but should be completed in true Gamble fashion! Maybe that is the beauty of capstone. It is a mirror of us the individual capturing our uniqueness and individuality. While on a macro level it embodies what youth workers are as a whole diverse, creative, problem solving by nature. The fear and trepidation felt concerning capstone has been replaced with excitement and optimism.      

"More Life More Blessings"

Gamble

Journey to Praxis Pizza

     I have to be honest, I had no idea what was meant when I first heard Journey to Praxis! I was truly lost and so I did what anyone should do when they are confused. Simply, I did nothing and relaxed. Full transparency that probably is not what one should do in a situation similar to this. However, this has worked for me in the past and hell. If it is not broken, I am surely not going to try and fix it. Let me clue you in, although I was initially lost. I had full confidence due to class discussion and communication with some of my peers. I would feel comfortable with the phrase "Journey to Praxis". I mean if all else failed I would do some old school research and figure it out. Turns out I had to do a little of this and a little of that and throw my own sauce on it. Something like a Gamble Journey to Praxis pizza. Ahhhhhhhhhhh ya'll see what I did there. This week's assignments were simply but complex in my humble opinion. I mean who would have thought it would take so much brain power to create a recipe in a sense. Using the link Gamble's Pizza: Journey to Praxis; Supporting Youth Activisim Do your boy a favor and check out my pizza menu detailing my take on Rachel Clemons'  Journey to Praxis; Supporting Youth Activism"  I hope you enjoy it and give me some great feedback pos or neg. All is welcome and encouraged.

More Life More Blessings

Gamble

Positivist, Constructivist , or Critical

After listening to the material and researching material surrounding the Constructivist, Positivist, and Critical research ideologies. I feel most aligned with the Constructivist ideology. I was surprised to find myself so connected to a particular ideology. My initial feeling and or thought on most subjects in life. There are no absolutes to anything period. I have always used the phrase "There is more than one way to skin a cat" I tend to believe something can be taken from different points of view and thought processes. If there is an absolute resolution, there can't be room for growth or improvement. Funny, as I read this back. I see clearly why the Constructivist ideology connected with me so strongly. I do wonder, what factors shape our internal thoughts toward one ideology or another. Also, could one have a deep connection to more than one ideology at a time? Furthermore can one's connection change? If it can change, what factors would facilitate that change?

Is it possible for individuals to collaborate on subject matter and find commonalities even though they do not share the same ideologies. I would love to research, how often individuals manipulate data ensuring outcomes align with their ideology. I am sure it happens often, but are there negatives associated with doing so? I can't help but wonder how these ideologies have driven youth development work. Can we identify time periods of youth work and assign that time period with a particular ideology?

Gamble

Gamble What Gamble Who

 YOOOOOOO, 

Friday Night Lights

My Pappy

Good morning, afternoon, evening. Thank you for taking the time and treating yourself with learning a little about Gamble. Gamble is not easily summed up to be clear. He is a multitude of things to a multitude of people. Gamble is a Father, Son, Combat Vet, Life Long Learner, Sports Enthusiast, Educator, Comedian, Communicator, Friend, Advocate to say the least. When I am not in a classroom setting I enjoy spending time with my children and family. Listening to music and relaxing in local communities. I believe it is crucial to stay connected to the areas which helped mold me into the person I am today. Learning daily from people I meet are typically the best parts of my day. I also LOVE sports, so it is very likely I will be at a local high school or college game. 

Queens & I

Our Responsibility

My Joys & Pains