The Chicago Journal

The Chicago Journal
The Chicago Journal

Jared Scott’s Culture Shift Tour: Redefining School Culture in Illinois, One School at a Time

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 11, 2024

When Jared Scott steps onto the stage at a school, it’s not just another motivational assembly. His Culture Shift Tour represents the beginning of a transformation—one that has reshaped over 1,000 schools across the nation. The Culture Shift Tour isn’t merely a program; it’s a student-powered movement designed to create lasting change.

What sets this initiative apart from typical school assemblies is its unique approach. Jared Scott doesn’t come to deliver a one-size-fits-all speech and leave. Instead, he taps into the collective energy of the student body, listens to their voices, and empowers them to lead. By turning student ideas into actionable plans, he’s creating something far more profound—a legacy of leadership that students own.

Recently, Jared and the Culture Shift Tour visited O’Fallon Township High School in Illinois, where the program made a lasting impression. Laura Lebryk, the DoDEA project director, shared her experience: “Jared Scott’s Culture Shift Program resonated with students at O’Fallon Township High School. During the keynote addresses, students were engaged and actively participating. The leadership breakout session was a highlight of the day, as students worked with their peers to create school culture shift initiatives. These programs will help our students and staff connect in more genuine ways and bring a stronger sense of community. Our leadership students are excited to push the shift forward!”

This experience reflects the core of what the Culture Shift Tour delivers when it visits a school. The programming includes five key components that engage the entire school community. The day begins with Jared’s keynote, a presentation that sets the stage for change by highlighting real solutions created by students in schools across the country. With topics like mental health, overcoming adversity, and the fear of failure, Jared connects deeply with his audience. One of the standout features of his keynote is his discussion on the power—and pitfalls—of social media. As an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of a social media tech company, Jared brings a unique expertise to this topic, helping students understand how to navigate digital citizenship responsibly.

What truly sets his presentations apart are the guest speakers he invites—former students who participated in the Culture Shift Tour and have gone on to launch their own nonprofits, movements, or initiatives. These peer-to-peer testimonials give current students tangible proof that the change they want is within their reach. This approach makes the message not just inspiring—but real.

After the keynote, the spotlight shifts to the students. Jared hosts a breakout session for hand-picked student leaders. During this time, students collaborate to identify the unique challenges facing their school and brainstorm practical solutions. The goal is simple: create a student-led movement specific to their school. By making students the architects of their own change, Jared ensures that the solutions are not only meaningful but sustainable.

The transformation doesn’t stop with students. Jared takes their ideas into a dedicated breakout session with teachers, administrators, and staff members. The focus here is on translating the students’ vision into a structured, step-by-step plan that the school can implement. By involving staff in this collaborative process, Jared helps ensure that the changes initiated by students have full administrative support and are integrated into the broader school culture. This unified approach strengthens the potential for long-term, meaningful change within the school environment.

The final event for the day, community night, brings everything full circle. Recognizing that real transformation requires buy-in from all stakeholders, Jared leads a keynote to present the top student-generated ideas to parents, guardians, and local community members. This fosters widespread support for the initiatives, ensuring the entire community is invested in the changes the students aim to make. It reinforces the idea that a school’s culture extends beyond its walls and into the larger community. By the end of the day, you can feel the inspiration and see the excitement in not only the students, but also the staff and parents. Jared’s gift of bridging the gaps between students, staff, and parents is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of. 

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Culture Shift Tour is what happens after Jared and his team leave the campus. Unlike many programs that end when the speaker departs, Jared offers ongoing support in the form of a detailed action plan. This roadmap provides a clear path for implementing the changes developed during the day. Schools also receive follow-up virtual meetings with staff and students, as well as opportunities to invite back former Culture Shift students who have successfully implemented their ideas.

With more than a decade of experience and a program that continues to grow, Jared Scott is redefining what it means to empower students. The Culture Shift Tour doesn’t just change schools; it equips students with the tools to change the world around them. By giving young people a voice and the support to act on their ideas, Jared has built a movement that turns the traditional education model on its head.

In a time when students often feel disconnected and unheard, the Culture Shift Tour stands out as a beacon of hope. It’s not just a program—it’s a revolution led by the very students who will inherit the future.

If you are interested in bringing Jared Scott’s Culture Shift Tour to a school near you, this is an opportunity to inspire lasting change, empower students, and foster a sense of community that goes far beyond the classroom. To learn more about how the Culture Shift Tour can transform your school’s culture, visit www.jaredscottspeaks.com.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Resilience and Faith: Sariki Abungwo’s Journey from Adversity to Success

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 11, 2024

Resilience and faith are profoundly connected forces that empower individuals to endure and overcome adversity. Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from hardships, adapt to changing circumstances, and thrive despite challenges. Faith, on the other hand, provides a deep-seated strength—a guiding sense of purpose and hope that sustains individuals through life’s turbulent moments. Together, this synergy equips people to face obstacles with determination, maintain optimism, and emerge stronger, fostering a sense of inner fortitude that helps them navigate trials with courage and grace.

Spiritual well-being plays a crucial role in this process, as it is often associated with reduced anxiety and depression. By offering a meaningful framework through which to view life’s struggles and purpose, faith can provide emotional support and perspective, encouraging a more resilient mindset. This holistic approach to resilience not only strengthens emotional health but also nurtures the spirit, creating a foundation for personal growth and lasting fulfillment.

One notable example of this synergy in action is Sariki Abungwo, an esteemed entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Blesatech Consultancy Services. As a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS), Abungwo draws on his extensive knowledge and experience to provide clients with proven marketing systems. These systems are crafted to help coaches, consultants, and small business owners grow their businesses consistently, predictably, and profitably, illustrating how resilience and faith can manifest in professional success.

The Impact of Early Loss

The loss of a father at a young age can profoundly shape a child’s development, as it did for Sariki Abungwo when he experienced this tragedy at just eight years old. This sudden and life-altering event introduced Sariki to a world of confusion and fear, disrupting his childhood and forcing him to mature quickly. With new responsibilities on his shoulders, including helping his mother and caring for his younger siblings, Sariki’s emotional growth was accelerated. The hardship he faced instilled in him a deep resilience, shaping his outlook on life and preparing him for the challenges he would encounter in the future.

In the wake of her husband’s death, Sariki’s mother became the pillar of strength for the family. Taking on the full responsibility of raising her children alone, she sacrificed her personal life to ensure their educational and emotional needs were met. Despite the financial and emotional burdens, she maintained a positive outlook and enlisted experts to teach her children new skills, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their development. Her perseverance and dedication deeply influenced Sariki, imparting lessons in determination and faith that he would carry with him throughout his life.

Influence of a Close-Knit Family

Resilience and Faith: Sariki Abungwo’s Journey from Adversity to Success

Photo Courtesy: Sariki Abungwo

Sariki Abungwo’s upbringing within a close-knit Cameroonian family also played a significant role in shaping his values and resilience. In Cameroonian culture, family ties are profoundly strong, and the communal approach to facing life’s difficulties is deeply ingrained. The support system provided by his extended family offered both emotional and practical assistance during trying times. This environment of collective support taught Sariki the importance of unity and mutual care. It reinforced the idea that challenges are more manageable when faced together, further strengthening his resolve to persist through adversity.

Personal Growth Through Adversity

For Sariki, early adversity became a crucible for personal growth, the strengthening of his character, and the deepening of his faith. Losing his father at the tender age of eight was a pivotal moment that shaped his life. Confronted with the overwhelming responsibilities of helping to care for his family, Sariki had to mature quickly. He learned to rely heavily on his faith for strength and resilience. His participation in the Christian community, particularly at Winners Chapel International, provided him with a vital sense of purpose and belonging. It was within this supportive community that Sariki found comfort, guidance, and a deeper understanding of himself. The spiritual support he received helped him navigate through his most challenging moments, reinforcing his belief that faith and perseverance can guide a person through life’s toughest trials. Over time, this faith became a crucial anchor in his journey, providing both a source of comfort and a framework for personal growth.

Sariki’s journey of overcoming adversity is a testament to the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and community. His ability to endure hardship while maintaining hope and positivity speaks to his inner strength and character. Rather than succumbing to the difficulties he faced, Sariki used these challenges as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. The loss of his father and the ensuing responsibilities he shouldered were not merely obstacles to be overcome but experiences that shaped him into a resilient and capable individual. His story illustrates that adversity, while painful, can catalyze remarkable personal transformation when approached with the right mindset.

Lessons for Others Facing Challenges

Sariki Abungwo’s life experiences offer profound lessons for those facing similar challenges, particularly in their youth. His journey highlights the power of perseverance, illustrating that steadfast determination in the face of significant obstacles can foster not only personal growth but also eventual success. When circumstances seem insurmountable, holding onto hope and continuing to move forward, step by step, can make all the difference. Sariki’s unwavering commitment to his family, faith, and personal development serves as an inspiring example for others navigating difficult circumstances. His story underscores the importance of having faith—not only in oneself but also in a greater purpose or higher power—as a source of strength and motivation.

In addition to faith, Sariki’s reliance on family and community demonstrates the immense value of a strong support network. He was fortunate to have the love and encouragement of his mother and siblings, which provided him with a foundation of stability during turbulent times. Engaging with caring individuals—whether family, friends, or a broader community—can be vital in navigating life’s difficulties.

Sariki Abungwo’s life story illustrates how early loss, the steadfast support of a mother, the influence of a close-knit family, and a strong foundation of personal faith can contribute to shaping one’s character and values. These elements collectively foster resilience and strength, offering critical lessons for others who are facing their challenges. Through perseverance, faith, community support, and resilience, individuals can not only navigate their difficulties but also emerge stronger, more capable, and more prepared to face life’s future trials.

 

Published By: Aize Perez

Air Pollution in Schools: A Growing Health Concern

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 11, 2024

By: Mae Cornes

Recent studies reveal that a large percentage of schools in the United States are dealing with levels of indoor air pollution, which poses serious health risks to both teachers and students. Reports of teachers and students falling ill due to breathing indoor air pollution have raised concerns about the need for improved air quality in educational institutions across the country.

Indoor air pollution in schools can be attributed to a variety of sources, including dust, mold, pollen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), tobacco smoke, lead particles, asbestos, radon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, long-term health issues.

Steve Fontaine, “America’s indoor air quality expert” ™, emphasized the severity of the situation by stating, “The presence of indoor air pollution in schools is a silent threat to the health and well-being of both teachers and students. The detrimental effects of poor air quality on academic performance and overall health cannot be overlooked.“

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also expressed concern about the detrimental impact of indoor air pollution on occupants’ health. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the need for immediate action to address indoor air pollution in educational settings.

Instances of teachers and students experiencing adverse health effects due to poor indoor air quality have been documented across various schools. In one case, a teacher developed severe allergies and respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure to mold spores present in the classroom. Another incident involved students exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning after exposure to high levels of this toxic gas within school premises.

In light of these alarming occurrences, it is crucial for schools to prioritize measures to combat indoor air pollution. Regular inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems, proper ventilation, use of air purifiers with HEPA 13 or 14 filters, and stringent policies against smoking within school premises are essential steps in ensuring healthier indoor environments for both educators and students.

Fontaine further stressed the need for proactive measures by stating, “Addressing indoor air pollution in schools requires a comprehensive approach that involves regular monitoring, timely maintenance of ventilation systems, and educating school staff on potential sources of pollutants.“

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted the critical need to raise awareness among school administrators, teachers, and parents about the potential health risks posed by poor indoor air quality. Poor air quality in schools can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and worsening of asthma, especially in children who are more vulnerable to environmental pollutants. Recognizing these risks, the CDC strongly encourages schools to take proactive steps to address indoor air pollution.

One key recommendation is to educate stakeholders about the sources of indoor pollutants, which may include mold, dust, chemicals from cleaning products, and emissions from building materials. In response, the CDC has stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to minimize exposure to these harmful pollutants.

Among these strategies, improving ventilation is a priority. The CDC advises schools to upgrade HVAC systems where necessary, increase the flow of fresh outdoor air, and regularly maintain filters to ensure efficient air circulation. By enhancing ventilation and air purification measures, schools can significantly reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants, fostering a healthier learning environment for students, staff, and faculty alike.

Visit www.stevefontaine-iaq.com for more information.

Published by: Nelly Chavez