Expanding Expectations

Low self esteem can have damaging repercussions on long-term success and expectations of what is possible to achieve in life. Minority students are at particular risk, their self-worth challenged by negative media messages about immigrants and often challenged by their own families, who may have limited experience with how success is won in the qualification-strata of American life. It is difficult to open a conversation in a fun, non-intimidating way about what kinds of jobs exist after High School, and how to get there. A sense that the future holds bright possibilities is key for motivation and helping to build feelings of self-worth.