Hey there tSB Community! So nice to see you all again. 

It certainly has been one heck of a year. With all its twists and turns, surely we all have our own reflections on the past 9 months. tSB youth have certainly pushed their growing edge this year, and have shown great adaptability and commitment. Program staff checked in with some of them to learn their thoughts on some of the year’s major developments, and their hopes for the future. Keep reading for a summary of what we learned.

Starting with the ongoing pandemic. Navigating its impact has been a challenge. From getting used to wearing masks to saying bye to some of their favorite places in the city, a lot has changed and most youth agree it isn’t always fun. To be honest, spending spring and summer 2020 in the house has been a “pretty boring” experience.

From a social justice point of view, our society has faced some significant challenges this year. tSB youth have seized the opportunity to make their voices heard. Some have protested in the streets in support of Black Lives Matter, some have created websites to highlight activists in the community, and others have created online campaigns to promote wellness. Their creativity and commitment to staying involved in the community has been inspiring to witness.

As for the future, youth are hopeful for a COVID-19 vaccine and a return to normalcy. With optimism, youth (and staff) are looking forward to another great year of tSB program in 2021, even if we look a little different than usual. Whatever the future holds, the tSB community will continue to stand together to hold each other down.