[0:00] Welcome to the ONS podcast with your [0:03] host Lana Jacobson. [0:05] >> Welcome back you guys to our ONS [0:07] podcast. ONS stands for Office of [0:09] Neighborhood Safety. I'm your host, Lana [0:11] Jacobson, and I am a member of the ONS [0:13] team. This podcast was created for [0:15] departments like us and community [0:17] organizations to come on and talk about [0:19] our services. All of our episodes are [0:22] about connecting you to alternative [0:24] public safety measures, programs, and [0:25] your local growth and healing [0:27] opportunities. We are welcoming back our [0:30] amazing face- tof face trio Lewis, Jada, [0:34] and Tjon with whom we've had the [0:36] pleasure of meeting with this time last [0:39] year on podcast episode 3 titled back to [0:43] school student perspective part one. For [0:45] those of you who aren't familiar again, [0:48] Facetoface Academy is a charter school [0:50] located in the heart of East Side St. [0:52] Paul and they are called exactly what [0:54] they do. Connecting with students face [0:56] toface by meeting them where they are. [0:58] You can find out more about face tof [1:00] face at f2f [1:03] and that's two like the number [1:04] twoacademy.org. [1:07] f2facademy.org. [1:10] Today all four of us are here a year [1:13] later. Another full year of experiences [1:18] and on the grind of education. And Tan [1:21] is looking at me crazy. He's like, "What [1:23] is she going to say?" Okay, we're [1:25] starting back in another school year. I [1:27] thought it would be great to connect [1:28] with you guys again and see how your [1:30] year has gone and see what we're going [1:32] to be doing this year, connecting with [1:34] you. So, welcome back, Louis. [1:36] >> Hi. [1:37] >> Are you still drawing? [1:39] >> Occasionally, not as much anymore. [1:41] >> And do you still prefer barbecue chicken [1:43] over fried? [1:43] >> Yeah. [1:44] >> Okay. Cuz taste buds change as you get [1:46] older. So, I was just checking in with [1:47] you. I'm going to start off with some [1:49] icebreaker questions for you. So, did [1:52] you go to state fair this year? [1:53] >> I did. [1:54] >> Okay. What's the best thing that you [1:56] tried this year [1:57] >> at the state fair? [1:58] >> Mhm. [1:59] >> I didn't really do anything. I'm not [2:01] going to lie. I just walked around. [2:03] >> Did you eat anything? [2:04] >> No. [2:05] >> No. You was just going to hang out and [2:07] >> Yeah. [2:08] >> be out there, huh? Okay. Who is the one [2:11] music artist that you wish would have [2:13] came to the state fair which would have [2:14] given you an even better reason to be [2:16] there? That's a That's a really good [2:19] question. Um, [2:21] >> like who are you listening to right now [2:23] that you really like? [2:25] >> This is one band called The Shutins. [2:27] They're like a Minnesota based punk rock [2:30] band. It would have been really cool if [2:31] they were there. [2:31] >> Okay, I like that. Back to school [2:34] shopping or just give me a new backpack [2:37] and some new shoes and I'm good. [2:39] >> The second one. [2:40] >> Okay. Um, let's see. What are two [2:44] fashion trends that you hate right now? [2:46] Affliction and fast fashion. [2:48] >> Okay. What's Affliction? [2:50] >> It's this clothing brand that they make [2:52] like [2:52] >> Uhhuh. [2:53] >> Gothic styled t-shirts and they're like [2:56] super expensive. [2:58] >> Oh, okay. You don't like that? [3:00] >> No. [3:00] >> Okay. And what was the second one you [3:02] said? [3:02] >> Fast fashion. [3:04] >> What is that? [3:04] >> It's basically it's a term for websites [3:07] and apps like Sheen, Timu, or even [3:10] Amazon. I'm right with you. [3:11] >> Yeah. You just get a bunch of clothes [3:12] for cheap. [3:13] >> Oh my goodness. It just Yeah. Okay. We [3:16] also have Jada in the studio again. [3:18] Jada, do you still longboarding? [3:20] >> Yeah. [3:21] >> Okay. And are you into anything [3:23] different? [3:24] >> No. [3:24] >> Okay. Did you go to the state fair this [3:26] year? [3:27] >> I worked there. [3:28] >> You did? [3:28] >> I worked there every year. [3:29] >> That every single day? [3:31] >> Um, usually, but this year I had an [3:34] accident and cut my hand so I couldn't [3:35] work. [3:36] >> How'd you cut your hand? [3:37] >> I was cooking. [3:38] >> Girl, I thought it was the longboard. [3:40] Okay. What's your number one thing that [3:42] you always get at the state fair no [3:43] matter what? [3:45] cuz you get a lunch break. So, I'm sure [3:47] you had for something. [3:49] >> So, like we make tacos where I work. [3:51] >> Okay. [3:52] >> So, we usually eat what we serve. [3:54] >> Okay. [3:55] >> So, that's what I was eating. [3:57] >> Do you get tired of the tacos? [3:58] >> Mhm. [3:59] >> And does all the food start smelling the [4:01] same after a while? Like [4:02] >> Yeah. And then they get old and [4:05] >> Yeah. [4:05] >> I bet it sucks. [4:07] >> Okay. So, music. I have a music question [4:10] for you. What is taking up space on your [4:12] playlist right now? Like what type of [4:15] music? [4:15] >> Yeah. Like what are you listening to [4:17] right now all the time over and over? [4:19] >> Um rap. [4:21] >> Yeah. But like who's the artist? [4:23] >> Um Polo G. [4:24] >> Okay. [4:25] >> Um Juice World. [4:26] >> Okay. All right. Jeans and T-shirts [4:30] or hoodies and joggers? [4:32] >> Hoodies and joggers. [4:34] >> Okay. What is your go-to brand name for [4:38] hoodies and joggers? [4:40] I don't know cuz most of my hoodies [4:42] don't have like it's not branded. [4:44] >> Okay. You just pick out something that [4:46] you like the colors and stuff like that. [4:48] Tjan like wants to interject. What What [4:50] is she like? [4:51] >> Toby Hilfiger. [4:52] >> Oh, okay. Okay. [4:54] >> I guess. [4:55] >> All right. So, Tjan, since you got [4:57] something to say, how many jobs do you [4:59] have right now? [5:02] >> Only one, but I want to work at the Glow [5:04] Fest. [5:04] >> The Glow Fest? [5:05] >> Yeah. [5:06] >> What is that? It's like a every year [5:08] thing at the CHS field with like all the [5:10] lights and stuff. [5:11] >> Oh yeah. Okay. I I guess I just never [5:13] paid attention that it had like a real [5:14] name. [5:15] >> Do they have like music and stuff out [5:17] there? [5:17] >> Yes, music, lights, and they got food [5:19] and alcoholic stuff for [5:22] >> You're trying to lure me in. Is that [5:23] what you're [5:24] >> No, no, no, no. [5:26] >> Naming all the grown-up things. [5:28] >> But don't forget about the slide. [5:29] >> Oh, yeah. They got a slide and a zipline [5:31] there. [5:32] >> Oh, okay. So that's where you want to [5:34] that's your goal is to get there. [5:36] >> Yeah. Uh yeah. [5:38] >> Okay. [5:38] >> I hope my uncle will let me like take a [5:41] break for like 3 months and work there. [5:43] >> Okay. [5:44] >> Cuz so you still got the plug with your [5:46] uncle that you work with. Okay. [5:48] >> The Glow Fest pay better though cuz you [5:49] get paid every week and she said it's [5:51] like 4 to 500. So I'm like dang. [5:53] >> Oh you must have worked the Glow Fest [5:56] before. Look at you. [5:57] >> Like I'm like let me get that. [6:00] >> Tan did you make it out to the state [6:01] fair this year? Yeah. [6:03] >> Okay. Who did you go with? [6:04] >> I went twice. I went with my uncle and I [6:07] went with the school. [6:08] >> Okay. Um, smoked turkey leg or pork chop [6:11] on a stick? You got to choose one. Even [6:13] if you didn't eat either. [6:15] >> I Yeah, definitely them, but it probably [6:18] the the turkey leg. [6:19] >> Turkey leg. Okay. And who are you [6:21] listening to musically right now? [6:23] >> I'm listening to two people like the [6:24] same amount. Who? [6:26] >> Young Blue. [6:27] >> Okay. [6:28] >> And um Kevin Gates. [6:30] >> Okay. All right. [6:32] What are your top three essentials in [6:34] your backpack? [6:35] >> In my backpack? [6:39] >> I I miss I'm like older, so I'm missing [6:41] the joke. But what are the top three [6:44] essentials [6:46] in your backpack? I don't know. I'm [6:49] feeling real old right now. [6:51] >> Louis, do you get it? [6:56] >> I mean, I don't see a lot of people [6:57] carrying back. [6:58] >> Oh, so is that why it's funny? that [7:01] >> I feel like we really don't carry much [7:03] in our backpacks. It's just like this [7:05] the main stuff that we use at school. [7:07] >> Okay. So, like there's no like [7:09] chapstick, there's no lip gloss, there's [7:11] body spray. [7:13] >> Body spray. [7:14] >> Yeah. Like what's you know [7:15] >> carry my carry my backpack. All right. [7:16] Look, my headphones for work. [7:18] >> Okay. [7:19] >> After school. [7:20] >> There we go. [7:20] >> And I carry Vaseline. [7:22] >> Okay. [7:23] >> And I carry um I don't know if I have it [7:26] right now, but I usually carry the It's [7:29] like this. It's like this rose Bath and [7:32] Body Works like spray, [7:33] >> right? See that? See? Body spray. See, [7:36] >> I don't care. No, [7:37] >> J is looking at me like I was crazy or [7:39] something. Okay, cuz I know like you [7:42] first of all, I will say this. You guys, [7:44] your generation is so low maintenance. [7:46] I'm so serious. Like, if I was going to [7:49] school in this generation, I would have [7:52] so much money right now. Do you guys [7:54] understand how much money we used to [7:55] spend on like clothes where now it's [7:57] like hoodies and jogging suits? Like [8:00] >> I plug us up there. [8:01] >> Crocs, you know what I mean? We had [8:04] chapstick, lip gloss, body spray, comb [8:06] bread. We had all like school was like [8:09] this thing. And now like you actually [8:10] you guys do come here to learn, but back [8:14] then it was like a fashion show and you [8:16] went to learn, right? Like am I [8:18] tripping? I feel like we can we can [8:19] still look good and like come off like [8:22] that without having a whole bunch of [8:23] stuff in our [8:24] >> bag. Well, you should you should have [8:25] seen my fit the other day then. [8:28] >> Man, [8:29] >> what [8:29] >> if you It was a It was It was a good [8:31] fit. [8:31] >> You be killing me. [8:32] >> It was a good fit. I'm not going to lie. [8:35] >> Let's jump into these questions. So, [8:38] tell me a little bit about your school [8:40] year and how it went last year. Lewis, [8:41] we'll start with you. [8:43] >> I mean, I think it went fine. Um I mean, [8:47] I don't know. It wasn't very notable. [8:50] Not a lot of stuff happened. I mean [8:52] towards the end of the year, [8:54] >> I got accepted into Right Track. [8:56] >> Yay. See, that's good. That's good news. [8:59] >> I started working an internship while [9:02] doing school. [9:03] >> Good for you. [9:04] >> Thank you. [9:05] >> Good for you. Right track is right [9:06] tracks what's up. [9:08] >> Do they even say that anymore? Do did [9:09] you guys understand that? [9:13] What do you feel that was like the [9:16] highlight of your year last year? [9:18] >> Definitely. I mean, it's not really a [9:20] part of school specifically, but [9:21] definitely the internship. [9:23] >> Good for you. Jada, what was your [9:25] highlight last year? [9:26] >> Just getting the credits I need to [9:28] graduate. [9:29] >> Mhm. There you go. Less stress now, [9:31] right? Yeah. Tan, what was the highlight [9:34] of your highlight last year? year. [9:37] >> My highlight last year was [9:40] overcoming. [9:42] >> Okay. Overcoming what, honey? [9:44] >> Um, so basically last year like during [9:49] um during Thanksgiving, I had like a [9:51] nose infection and then I had like it [9:53] was like a viral thing that went to my [9:55] brain and I I had like tumors in my [9:57] brain and then they had to cut my skull [9:59] off and like take the tumors out and I [10:01] was in the hospital for [10:02] >> I had two surgeries on my um left side [10:05] of my brain. So, my right side was [10:06] paralyzed when I woke up. I was in the [10:08] hospital for a month and uh half. [10:12] >> Wow. That's that's serious stuff. Well, [10:16] praise God that you're here. I'm glad [10:17] that you know that you are well and [10:21] you're that's a lot because you're what [10:24] learning probably like trying to learn [10:26] things all over again cuz just like just [10:28] even the slightest like tweak to your [10:30] brain kind of sets you back a little [10:32] bit. [10:32] >> Yeah. I learn how to learn to walk [10:34] again. I had to learn everything. [10:36] >> Oh my goodness. [10:38] >> Oh, I had to learn how to talk. I [10:39] couldn't even I couldn't even sing my [10:40] ABCs. I couldn't even say C. [10:42] >> Oh my god. [10:44] >> I was like, dang. [10:45] >> Well, I am so glad that you're here and [10:47] I'm so glad that whatever it was, they [10:49] found out what it was and they took care [10:51] of that and removed it. [10:53] >> Yeah. My mom my mom uh my mom hopped on [10:55] the doctor cuz basically I went to the [10:57] hospital cuz like I woke him in the [10:59] night cuz I was my mom was like, "It's [11:01] fine. You're it's just a fever. You're [11:03] fine. You're fine." And how we found out [11:05] cuz I woke up and she said I tripped [11:07] over Link but I woke up I like blacked [11:10] out and I fell and smack a wall on the [11:12] back. I smacked the back of my head on [11:14] like the wall of my mom and she's like [11:16] it's good thing we got the cameras cuz [11:18] they was like oh it was probably just [11:20] like a something falling or something. [11:23] And then she showed the camera. She's [11:24] like look he literally tripped and like [11:26] smacked on the ball but it looked like I [11:29] tripped in a blanket but I know I did [11:30] trip over the blanket. [11:31] >> Mhm. Basically, they tried to send me [11:34] home and then when they sent me to like [11:36] the actual like cuz they sent me to [11:37] Children Hospital. When they sent me to [11:38] actual like regent Minneapolis, [11:42] that's when they like actually found out [11:43] that I had like tumors and stuff and [11:45] like what was wrong cuz I my mom was [11:47] like, I know I know something's wrong [11:49] cuz he's not he's not overly sleepy like [11:51] this. [11:52] >> Yeah. [11:52] >> I like [11:53] >> So, praise God for your mom that she was [11:55] there to advocate for you. [11:57] >> So, last year was like a rough year, but [11:59] you overcame it. [12:00] >> Yeah. And then this year I and like yeah [12:03] it just start getting better and better [12:04] from there. [12:05] >> Praise God. Thank you for being so [12:08] vulnerable and sharing that. [12:10] >> Um gosh. So [12:15] sorry. I just I'm just I'm like trying [12:17] to move on from that and I'm still I [12:18] still have like all these questions. [12:21] What was what are you going to miss [12:24] about last year? Jel, you want to start? [12:28] >> I graduate in December. So, I'm going to [12:30] miss just being at the school in [12:32] general. [12:33] >> So, you're like right around the corner. [12:35] Are you just coasting right now? [12:37] >> Are you just like showing up and just [12:39] Yeah, just showing up to show up. Yeah. [12:42] >> What are you going to miss about last [12:44] year, Louis? [12:46] >> Probably just how more it was just more [12:48] like carefree cuz I I think this is one [12:50] of the other questions, [12:51] >> but I'm in 11th grade right now. Okay. [12:53] Between the summer of last year and this [12:55] year, [12:56] >> a lot of stuff changed at my house. So, [12:57] I got a lot more responsibility now. [12:59] >> Yeah. [13:00] >> And now with school, I'm in like the [13:02] last stretch, so I got to I got to be [13:04] more focused. So, which I mean, it's [13:06] fine. You know, I feel like you should [13:08] do that anyways, but I don't have as [13:11] much of an option anymore. And so, I [13:13] feel like that's what I'm going to miss. [13:14] >> Mhm. So, let's move into this year. So, [13:18] what time do you guys typically wake up [13:20] to like start your day? [13:22] >> Six or seven. [13:24] >> There you go. [13:26] Oh, 76. [13:28] >> Um, I usually walk my brothers to [13:30] school. [13:31] >> Mhm. [13:31] >> So, I have to wake up like 7:30 and get [13:33] ready cuz they leave at 8:45 and they [13:37] get on the bus at 8:50 and I have to get [13:39] on my bus. [13:40] >> Mhm. Jada, what about you? [13:42] >> I usually wake up at 7:00, but like I [13:44] don't start getting ready until like [13:46] 8:00 cuz I don't really have to do much [13:49] in the morning besides do my hair, brush [13:50] my teeth, wash my face, and get ready [13:52] for school and then walk home walk to [13:54] school. So, what I'm hearing is I'm [13:55] hearing lots of responsibilities here. [13:58] Responsibilities here. Are you the baby [14:00] or [14:01] >> No, I'm the middle child. I have a [14:03] younger brother, a younger sister, and a [14:05] niece at home. [14:06] >> Mhm. [14:06] >> But my mom kind of wakes them up and [14:08] gets cuz they leave before me. So, they [14:10] have to be up around 6:00. [14:12] >> So, you're responsible for Jada. [14:14] >> Yeah. [14:15] >> Okay. Have any of you solidified plans [14:17] for college? Because I know you said [14:19] you're a junior. You're getting ready to [14:20] graduate in December. Tan, how many more [14:22] years do you have left here? [14:24] >> I graduate December 2026. [14:26] >> Okay. Okay. So, I guess you got a year [14:28] left. [14:28] >> Next December, [14:30] >> and I don't know if I want to go to [14:31] college yet. [14:32] >> Okay. Well, what do you what do you want [14:34] to do? [14:35] >> I don't know. [14:36] >> Okay. Jada, what about what are your [14:39] plans? Have you solidified any plans for [14:41] >> I want to go to college to either for [14:44] nursing or um interior design. [14:47] >> Okay, girl. I hear you. [14:49] >> Yeah. Um, originally I remember you [14:52] saying that you wanted to go to school [14:53] out of state. Do you still want to do [14:56] that or No, [14:57] >> I still do, but I know it's not going to [14:59] happen. [15:00] >> Mhm. So, [15:01] >> why why do you think that? [15:02] >> Um, cuz that's a lot of um [15:07] not like responsibility, but more like [15:10] you know like when you have family [15:11] members in like one state and they be [15:13] like, "Oh, you left us." [15:15] >> It's one of those situations. Oh, so you [15:17] think that there's going to be like [15:18] guilt behind you leaving? [15:21] >> Okay. Um, [15:24] yeah. I I mean, I understand. I I never [15:27] had that, but I understand. I do [15:29] understand though, too, that you have to [15:31] do what's best for you. [15:32] >> Yeah. [15:32] >> Because when you become an adult like my [15:34] age, you don't want to look back and [15:36] feel like you should have done something [15:38] for to take care of yourself, but you [15:40] didn't because you did it to appease [15:43] someone else or take some care of [15:45] someone else. [15:46] and you have regrets about it. So, make [15:48] sure you do what's best for Jada. [15:52] >> You know, [15:53] >> Louis, what about you? You have any [15:55] solidified any plans to for what you're [15:57] going to do after high school? [15:59] >> Well, okay. So, um the internship I [16:02] worked at the right track specifically [16:04] was at a podcast network called Listen [16:07] Up Youth Radio. [16:08] >> Okay. [16:09] >> And they liked me enough to where they [16:11] offered me a like a manager position [16:14] >> Uhhuh. [16:14] >> for the school year. So, I'm half hoping [16:18] that the whole production thing goes [16:20] somewhere and I'm that's what I'm going [16:22] to do for the foreseeable future, but I [16:24] also do have plans to go to college for [16:26] psychology and sociology and then [16:29] possibly journalism if I can. [16:31] >> That's awesome. What made you want to go [16:33] and go to school for psychology? [16:36] >> I mean, I've always been interested in [16:38] psychology. A lot of my family has kind [16:41] of rocky mental health and so growing up [16:45] around that kind of made me realize how [16:47] important it is to be self-aware of that [16:49] and just have that general knowledge. [16:51] >> Mhm. [16:52] >> And I've just always wanted to learn [16:54] more about it. [16:54] >> Yeah. Amen. And maybe you can go back [16:57] and help people. You seem like you like [16:59] to help people. Yeah. Let's go into this [17:03] next question. What growth have you seen [17:05] in yourself? Um, when you compare [17:07] yourselves to last year versus this [17:09] year, Tan, [17:11] >> I seen a lot of heightened growth, too. [17:14] >> Yeah. Not just like mental growth. And [17:16] >> how many inches did you grow this year? [17:18] >> Um, I was when I went to the hospital, I [17:22] was 5'4. [17:23] >> Okay. [17:24] >> I came out the hospital, I was 510. [17:27] >> You lie. [17:28] >> I'm so [17:30] everything I love is easy. so serious. [17:34] She came to the house. I stood up for [17:36] the first time. She was like, "Dang, you [17:38] look like a giant. I felt like big. She [17:41] felt like a little like little midget." [17:42] And I was like, "Dang, I'm sorry, but [17:45] like you felt like so short." And my mom [17:48] did too cuz she had to like help me up. [17:49] So I like I go to like [17:50] >> see how like a growth spurt. [17:52] >> Yeah. Like [17:52] >> Well, you know what it could be to [17:54] >> I kept sleeping. [17:55] >> It could be health. you know, you were [17:57] finally in a space where they were going [17:59] to help you um get healthy and be [18:02] healthy. And once they realized whatever [18:04] it was and got rid of whatever it was, [18:07] your body started responding and and [18:10] regrowing and doing the things that your [18:12] body normally needs to do and maybe [18:14] that's why you grew so like 5 in or [18:17] whatever. So, I mean, it's possible. You [18:19] are a boy, so you guys tend to have [18:21] these growth spurts or whatever. What [18:23] growth have you seen in yourself this [18:25] year, Jada, versus last year? [18:29] >> A lot of mental growth. [18:31] >> My mindset, like my mindset changed a [18:33] lot cuz the type of environment I'm in. [18:36] >> Mhm. [18:37] >> So, more trying to like improve on how [18:40] my lifestyle is going to be different [18:41] than like my family's lifestyle. [18:44] >> Okay. [18:44] >> So, just me focusing on me. [18:46] >> Can you tell me a little bit more about [18:48] that without throwing your family under [18:50] the bus? That's what I'm trying to think [18:52] about. [18:55] >> Um, [18:56] it's just more like having [18:59] having a better living situation, [19:02] >> stability. [19:02] >> Yeah. [19:03] >> Mhm. [19:04] >> And um, grew up in a lot of toxic like [19:07] toxic traits. [19:08] >> Okay. [19:10] So [19:11] trying to like avoid that and try to [19:15] focus on the positive [19:17] >> really helped me think about like how [19:20] life could be different for other [19:21] people. [19:22] >> Yeah. [19:22] >> Yeah. [19:23] >> Louis, what about you? What growth have [19:26] you seen in yourself this year versus [19:28] last year? [19:29] >> I'd say the biggest thing is I just feel [19:31] more like capable of doing things. Mhm. [19:35] >> Like last year, I mean, I always wanted [19:38] to get into podcasting or media or [19:40] whatever as a career at some point, but [19:43] I didn't really think about that [19:45] realistically as an option [19:46] >> cuz I didn't know if I was cap I mean, I [19:49] was doing this podcast still, but that [19:50] wasn't [19:52] >> I mean, you know what I mean? [19:55] >> Just didn't feel fully capable of doing [19:57] something like that. [19:58] >> Right. You've got confidence now. And [20:00] so, and I was also of the mindset that I [20:02] just wanted to enjoy the years I have [20:04] >> up until that point. And I always have [20:06] the mindset of like [20:07] >> I don't like to worry about things in [20:09] the future too much. Not cuz they're not [20:10] important to think about, but because I [20:12] just trust that the version of me [20:15] that'll be around when that happens will [20:17] be ready for it. [20:18] >> Mhm. [20:18] >> And I feel I had a lot of that trust [20:20] last year. And I feel like it kind of [20:22] paid off cuz now like after the [20:24] internship I know that I'm capable of [20:27] doing all these things and I have a lot [20:28] more responsibility at home now and at [20:30] school. But at this point because of [20:33] last year I've proven myself that like [20:35] yeah I can do it so I don't really got [20:36] to worry about it. So, I feel like what [20:38] I'm hearing you say is that you are more [20:42] um goal driven because you're more [20:45] confident now in reaching those goals [20:47] and making things happen and confident [20:49] in your like ability to do whatever it [20:51] is that you want to do. [20:52] >> Yeah. [20:53] >> Yeah. That's awesome. So, I don't know [20:55] if you guys remember, but last year when [20:58] we recorded this episode, it was [20:59] following the unfortunate Appalache High [21:02] School shooting in Georgia. And just [21:05] recently, we had a tragic incident here [21:07] in Minnesota um that targeted a [21:11] congregation that included students that [21:13] were participating in a daily mass as [21:15] part of their education. [21:17] Um evidently their safety was [21:19] compromised and we unfortunately lost [21:22] some beautiful people and many were [21:24] injured. So, I just wanted to check in [21:27] with you guys to see how does this make [21:29] you feel and what impact has it had on [21:34] your focusing or your mental health. [21:35] Louis, can we start with you? [21:38] >> Well, I'm going to be honest. This is [21:39] the first time I'm hearing about it, but [21:41] >> Okay. [21:43] in terms of honestly in terms of my [21:45] focus, not a whole lot, but [21:49] uh just I don't want to say like [21:51] resentful or angry, [21:53] >> but I think it just like I'm tired of it [21:55] almost cuz [21:57] >> Mhm. [21:57] >> like a lot of the like I'm you said it [21:59] was a shooting, right? [22:00] >> Mhm. Like gun control has been an issue [22:02] for years and I feel like I'm of the [22:05] opinion [22:06] >> that the only real way to have like a [22:08] solution to it is by looking into the [22:11] psychology of it. But at the end of the [22:13] day, you can put as many [22:16] >> like you can do as much stuff as you [22:19] want, put up as many walls to get access [22:21] to guns and all that, but if someone [22:24] really wants to get one, they're going [22:25] to get one. [22:26] >> Mhm. So, the way I like to think about [22:29] it is instead of trying to like keep it [22:32] from bad people, try to give the bad [22:34] people help so that way you don't need [22:35] to worry about it. [22:36] >> I agree. [22:37] >> But a lot of the people making those [22:39] decisions, they don't, from what I can [22:40] tell, they don't really think about that [22:42] stuff. [22:43] >> And to me personally, it feels like kind [22:44] of a simple [22:46] fix. Not a fix, but just response. [22:49] >> Mhm. Yeah. It's not rocket science, [22:52] right, that people who are doing things [22:53] like that are crying out for some sort [22:55] of attention because they have they're [22:57] having some sort of mental health [22:59] crisis. So, why not address the mental [23:01] health, right? Jada, how has this [23:03] impacted you and your focus and your [23:06] mental health as a student? I don't [23:08] think it like impacted me in particular, [23:12] but I know it impact like my niece and [23:14] my brother cuz they're they're still in [23:17] like middle school, elementary school, [23:19] so they they have to worry about stuff [23:22] like that. I feel like I don't really [23:23] have to worry about [23:26] >> like [23:27] >> we're in a smaller school, so I don't [23:29] feel like we're targeted more. [23:31] >> So you feel safe here. [23:32] >> Yeah, I feel like [23:33] >> Okay, that's good. [23:34] >> They got us, [23:35] >> right? That's good. So you can you feel [23:38] like you can count on your staff, I mean [23:40] on the staff of face to face and um the [23:44] mentors here and the students to all [23:48] protect each other and keep each other [23:50] safe and make safe decisions when it [23:52] comes to the school and make sure that [23:53] the school stays a safe place for you [23:56] guys and keeps that unwanted energy out. [24:00] >> That's good. [24:01] >> Yeah, they do a pretty good job at doing [24:03] that. [24:03] >> That's good. Shout out to Face to Face [24:06] and Tan. How do you feel like hearing [24:10] this news has impacted your focus, your [24:12] mental health, or even your thoughts [24:14] around safety? [24:15] >> I feel like I really haven't like really [24:17] haven't heard of it. Like Louis said, I [24:19] really haven't heard of the [24:20] >> Mhm. [24:21] >> the shooting like but I feel like like [24:25] speaking of what Louis said, I feel like [24:27] a lot of people would have the mindset [24:29] of shooting or like having a gun and [24:32] actually pulling the trigger. I feel [24:33] like very like mis misguided people or [24:38] mis like [24:39] >> I don't know like [24:40] >> Mhm. [24:41] >> It's never right to try to take somebody [24:43] life or like you feel like y'all know [24:46] what they used to do back Everybody know [24:48] what they used to do back in the days. [24:49] They they ain't really use guns. They [24:51] used to fight in the streets. [24:52] >> Mhm. [24:53] >> Yeah. And things have completely changed [24:56] >> completely from [24:58] from 2000 [25:01] like like 2000 [25:03] >> Mhm. [25:04] >> from 2025 [25:06] >> Mhm. [25:07] >> I feel like it definitely changed. [25:09] >> Drastic change. No, I can vouch for that [25:11] cuz I'm old [25:12] >> for gun for like for like gun usage for [25:15] sure. [25:15] >> Mhm. Mhm. [25:18] I feel like uh Minnesota's like gun [25:20] violence or like the whole United States [25:23] gun violence definitely went up from [25:26] that period to now. [25:28] >> Well, I will say that it's okay that you [25:31] hadn't heard about it. Um I think a lot [25:34] of times as adults um we try to shelter [25:38] our kids. We try to shelter um our young [25:41] people just because um we don't want you [25:44] to be worried and we don't want to we [25:47] don't want the the problems of the world [25:49] to distract you from the things that you [25:50] need to do, which is making sure that [25:52] you take care of yourself and you get up [25:54] every day and you thrive, right? So, um [25:57] it's totally okay that you hadn't heard [25:59] about it. And then another thing, too, [26:01] is like a lot of young people, many of [26:03] you guys don't watch the news, right? [26:05] You're you're just trying to make it. [26:06] You're just trying to survive. you're [26:08] trying to get up, put your pants on, go [26:09] to school, get done with school, get [26:11] something to eat, go to work, and go [26:12] home and go to bed. So, you don't have [26:14] time to like sit down and totally engulf [26:17] yourself in the news and stuff, but I [26:20] just wanted to check in with you guys. [26:21] I've asked this question before, but I'd [26:23] like to ask you again because um growing [26:26] up, you know, the more the older you [26:29] get, the more life you experience and [26:30] sometimes your perspectives and your [26:32] needs change over time. So, what is the [26:35] one thing that adults and people in the [26:37] community can do to help you feel safer? [26:40] Lewis, I'm going to start with you [26:41] again. [26:43] >> Kind of expanding on what I was talking [26:45] about with the shooting thing earlier. I [26:49] feel like not just me safer, but I feel [26:51] like it would benefit everyone to just [26:55] even if it's a little bit look into [26:58] psychology or sociology or whatever and [27:01] try to become more self-aware [27:03] >> that part. Mhm. Tan, what about you? [27:07] What can adults in the community do to [27:10] help you feel safer? I feel like [27:12] definitely speaking on the people who [27:15] are actually like handling the gun cuz [27:19] you we all understand there's like gangs [27:21] all you feel me all over. [27:23] >> Mhm. [27:23] >> I feel like I feel like for the adults [27:26] in the community make it feel safer. I [27:28] feel like [27:30] >> advocating for you guys. Jada, what [27:34] about you? [27:35] >> I feel like people can be more less not [27:39] so judgmental about certain things. [27:41] Okay. [27:42] >> Or trying to have more of a um a outlook [27:46] on how we see things going on. [27:49] >> Mhm. [27:49] >> I feel like that help. Or like you know [27:52] how some older people are like they have [27:54] their their mind about like how things [27:58] are in our community or like certain [28:00] things like that. Like they have their [28:01] own perspective [28:02] >> and our perspective different because we [28:04] act we're actually like out. We're [28:06] actually [28:07] >> seeing seeing things firsthand. [28:10] So, I feel like people should be more um [28:14] considerate, less prideful. People are [28:17] too prideful when it comes to certain [28:18] things cuz they think they know [28:20] everything. [28:21] >> Mhm. So, open to listening to your voice [28:23] more. [28:24] >> Yeah. [28:25] >> Yeah. [28:26] >> And not like really my voice, but like [28:28] everybody's like it shouldn't just be [28:30] like the youth. It should be like [28:31] everybody's being heard, but like [28:33] >> having an agreement on certain things [28:35] like like our gun laws and stuff like [28:38] that. [28:39] So, how do you think your friend groups [28:42] influence safe decisions? [28:45] >> Go ahead to John. [28:46] >> Me personally, I don't have no friends [28:49] cuz I don't hang around people cuz I [28:52] feel like when I did have a big group, I [28:54] feel like big group just fill your head [28:55] with stuff like, [28:56] >> okay, [28:57] >> big group. I was like middle school, [28:59] like eighth grade. I'm in 11th grade [29:01] now. Like eighth grade. I feel like it [29:04] was the wrong group and I feel like I [29:07] kind of took myself out of that. [29:09] >> Mhm. [29:10] >> Yeah. [29:11] >> Louis, how do you think friend groups [29:13] influence safe decisions? And maybe it's [29:15] not your friend group, maybe it's just [29:17] friend groups in general. [29:19] >> I mean, I feel like that's a very it's a [29:21] very case byase thing. I mean, it really [29:24] just depends on the group. Like [29:28] I feel like with a lot of people, with [29:30] friend groups specifically, a lot of it [29:32] are people they try to surround [29:34] themselves with people who have the same [29:36] ideals and the same ideas and feelings [29:38] and beliefs about everything else around [29:41] them as they do, which my [29:45] theory, I guess, is to try and validate [29:48] those beliefs [29:50] >> cuz people feel empowered by a sense of [29:52] community. So if you have a bigger [29:53] community around those beliefs, they [29:54] feel more true. But I feel like that can [29:57] also be counterproductive, especially if [30:00] you're in middle school and high school, [30:02] cuz you should be getting you should be [30:04] hearing from different people at that [30:06] age and getting more ideas and hearing [30:08] from different perspectives instead of [30:10] just immediately pushing those people [30:12] out. [30:13] >> You better say it, Louis. You better say [30:15] it. I I love that perspective. Thank you [30:17] for that. What are your goals for this [30:20] school year? And I'm going to start with [30:21] you and then Taan and then Jada. We [30:23] already know you're like out the door. [30:26] So we got I'm going to start with Lewis. [30:28] Lewis, what are your goals for this [30:30] school year? [30:32] >> Just to [30:34] I'd say my biggest thing is consistency, [30:36] >> being more getting to school on time, [30:38] getting homework done on time. Last year [30:40] I really struggled with that, [30:42] >> especially, you know, we had a lot of [30:44] shakeups over the summer, so that [30:46] definitely didn't help. But like I was [30:48] saying earlier with the like I feel more [30:51] capable of doing that now. [30:52] >> Yeah. [30:53] >> And so like by the end of the year, I [30:56] don't want it I don't want to be waking [30:58] up I want to be waking up at like a [31:00] regular time, catching the same bus [31:02] every morning, getting my assignments [31:04] done on time, not just like by the end [31:06] of the quarter [31:08] >> and just being more on everything. [31:11] >> Awesome. Tan, what are your goals for [31:13] this year? to get the maximum amount of [31:17] credit. I ain't gonna lie cuz I'm trying [31:19] to graduate as fast as possible. [31:22] >> I got you. [31:23] >> I'm tired of doing school. [31:25] I don't like being at school. I want I [31:27] want I want to be able to sleep in and [31:30] not to y'all get up. [31:32] >> That's fair. That's fair. Jada, what are [31:36] your goals? [31:37] >> Um, [31:38] >> from now until December, [31:41] >> get the most credit I have and enjoy my [31:43] last year. Mhm. [31:45] >> Um, [31:48] I don't really have like a lot of school [31:51] goals cuz I'm going to leave and it's [31:53] >> so close. [31:54] >> What kind of impact do you want to [31:56] leave? When you leave, what do you want [31:57] them to say? Well, Jada said or Jada was [32:02] or what would you like them to say about [32:05] you when you leave? I want them to to [32:09] view me as a leader, as someone like not [32:12] outspoken, but like [32:14] cuz I'm quiet. Like I don't talk. So [32:18] >> I guess I can be outspoken. [32:21] But they can say a lot about me. I don't [32:23] know. A leader is one of them for sure. [32:27] Confident, [32:28] persistent. [32:30] That's what I'm leaving behind. [32:32] >> So Jada was a leader. She was confident [32:34] and she was persistent [32:37] >> and she had cute hair. [32:39] >> Yeah, [32:41] >> St. Paul citizens are out here working [32:43] really hard to rehabilitate, intervene, [32:45] and rebuild safer neighborhoods. Again, [32:47] this podcast is about being able to [32:49] connect you to alternative public safety [32:52] matters programs and your local growth [32:54] and healing opportunities. If you'd like [32:56] to learn more about community first [32:58] public safety, please visit [33:00] information.spaul.gov. [33:02] And for more information about the [33:03] Office of Neighborhood Safety or joining [33:05] the NYSE, check us out as stpaul.govs.