The Kinesiology Department’s collaborative “I am” project is an example of how wonderful things can happen when two roads converge. Both Ms. Chavez and I shared ideas last year on how we might inspire students to make positive statements about themselves and create an environment that recognizes and honors their differences.

The inspiration and purpose of the “I am” project in my classes was to empower young women to use the power of their words to build self-esteem. I began with sharing a passage of the bible (Job 22:28, NKJV) and challenged them to consider how they can use their own power in positive ways. What they choose to say after “I am” can determine the kind of life they live. “I am strong”, “I am capable” or “I am weak” and “I am stupid”. All have power in their lives and the question is; where do they want to spend their energy?

I challenged my students to use the power of words in their favor; to stop saying I can’t but rather “I can’t yet”.

Their task was to make one positive statement about themselves. Pictures were taken of each student with their positive words. The project is in its second year and I hope that it will continue to inspire our young women to be bold and brave… not perfect.

 “You will also declare a thing,
And it will be established for you;
So light will shine on your ways.”  – (Job 22:28, NKJV)