May 2024 News

A digital publication of Mindful Awareness Academy for Children

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MAAC in Partnership

College Day Inspires and Connects Young Scholars

Energy, love, and hope filled the air Montclair State University last week as high school students experiencing homelessness or displacement spent the day networking with supporters, college representatives, and successful businesswomen and men— some of whom once walked in their shoes as homeless youth themselves.

"Words can't describe how I'm feeling after this event," said MAAC executive director Andrea Smith-Morgan. "Watching our young scholars respond to our speakers—we're talking about entrepreneurs, authors, academics, leaders, world travelers, podcast and television hosts—who didn't have it handed to them; who had to work for everything they got but did so through hard work, determination, and a little kindness from others, was simply awe-inspiring. And those scholars walked away with a complete toolbox of inspiration, guidance, and new contacts who want to help them succeed."

College Day, held in partnership with Essex Regional Educational Services Commission for Homeless Children and Youth (ERESC), kicked off with breakfast and a DJ at University Hall, overlooking the New York City skyline. Guest speakers shar their own stories of hardship, recounting those who helped them and the mindset that propelled them to work toward their dreams and goals.

Among those speakers was Zyaire Martinez, for whom college graduation was a promise he made to his late grandmother. To get there, though, he had to challenge the inner critic that tried to tell him he wasn't good enough. "I realized that those thoughts were not my own they came from other people in my past. I decided to stand up to that uncomfortable inner critic, and do what I need to be happy. It's taught me two things that I want to tell all of you: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. And give yourself a chance."

The college fair included representatives from Essex County College, Montclair State University, Eastwick College, Bergen Community College, New Jersey City University, and Lincoln Tech. The day wrapped up with make-your-own ice cream sundaes and fill-your-own goody bags, including themed "class rings" (Ring Pops), "smarty pants" (Smarties), and "reach f the stars" (Starburst).

As an added bonus, ERESC has invited every scholar in attendance to join MAAC's four-week college readiness Summer Boot Camp at no cost.

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CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT MAAC's COLLEGE DAY EVENT

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MAAC Behind the Scenes

Welcome to MAAC Summer Intern Jake Stockling!

Let's give a warm welcome to Jake, who will be helping scholars with social and emotional wellness skills at MAAC's Summer Boot Camp:

My name is Jakeema Stockling, but everyone calls me Jake. I am a sophomore attending New Jersey City University as a psychology major, with a minor in English. I am in a program in school called EOF. For those who are unfamiliar, EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) provides financial assistance and support services, such as counseling, tutoring, and developmental coursework, to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Outside of school, I enjoy writing and reading poem books, and playing basketball to help me with my mental health. I also have a clothing brand called 415 betterdayz. Fashion is my passion and I enjoy dressing up for a living.

After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I plan on joining the military so I can afford my master’s in psychology. I know that the master’s program can provide me with advanced research abilities, a deeper understanding of psychological theories, and opportunities to specialize in specific psychology areas.

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CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT MAAC's YOUTH PROGRAMS

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MAAC Board Members

Yanira Amadeo    LeShae Daniel    Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara  *  Tanya Isler-Horne

Ramel Meekins    Julian Pinnix-Odrick    Nadine Verna  *  Tamara Williams

Sent to: patty@themaac.org

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Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC), PO BOX 338, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States