Reclaiming Connection Through The Power of Offline Socializing: A Valley Guardian Event
By: Hailey Wesloski
In today’s fast-paced world, where digital screens dominate our attention, the importance of genuine face-to-face socialization cannot be overstated. This generation, despite being the most connected digitally, often finds itself feeling isolated. The constant barrage of notifications and virtual interactions can create a facade of connection while hindering the depth of real-life relationships. Engaging in meaningful conversations and activities with others not only fosters stronger bonds but also enhances mental well-being, offering a break from the often superficial nature of online interactions.
Taking a deliberate break from technology can be a powerful step towards revitalizing social connections. Simple actions like setting aside screen-free times, participating in community events, or organizing in-person gatherings with friends and family can open up opportunities for deeper, more fulfilling interactions. These moments of face-to-face engagement allow individuals to experience the nuances of body language, empathy, and shared experiences that are often lost in digital communication. By balancing technology use with real-world socialization, people can build more meaningful relationships and create a richer, more connected life.
On September 21st The Valley Guardians Executive Leadership scholars got a chance to get to know each other better at a trampoline park. There were 29 students who attended the event, 21 of which were VG Scholars. Students participated in various team activities like basketball, dodgeball, climbing wall, slides, and trampolines. Students also partook in eating pizza and various drinks while getting acquainted with and learning more about their peers.
In the end students learned that spending more time with friends face-to-face has shown them how much more meaningful and fulfilling real-life connections can be compared to just staying in touch online! The Valley Guardians Leadership Program is giving these underprivileged students the opportunity of a lifetime and impacting their lives in so many different ways! The scholar students appreciate the Valley Guardian donors for all of their efforts in making a difference in the community as well as in their individual lives!
The Valley Guardians Leadership Program
The Valley Guardian program is a multiyear coaching program for underserved students in the community. It was created by successful business people in the valley. They got together and formed a non-profit to find ways to fund developmental programs for kids in underserved communities. This program was aimed toward the underserved kids in the valley who have good hearts and have a desire to be successful and be mentored. The kids who are a part of this program have access to all different kinds of services like professional coaches, coaching calls, getaways, leadership education and training workshops, access to professionals in the valley, college and career readiness and more. The Valley Guardian program started with a single school of 6 students, and overtime has grown to 13 schools, 7 districts, and 49 active students. Overall there have been 120 students who have benefited from this program.
The Valley Guardians program offers over thirty online and in person workshops per year. We do many different types of workshops per year including things like arcades, parks, hikes, parties, and online leadership training. Many of the kids who come are not very social and are looking for a place to feel comfortable and be able to meet new people while being themselves. When they come to programs they have a great time. The way we set them up makes kids feel comfortable, whether we ask them what they are interested in doing or set them up to meet new people through social activities at the beginning of each event. The students find they feel connected and accepted through the program.