The Powers of a Coach

           

Figure 1

Kim Possible is known for beating up bad guys and saving the world, but she also coaches a little league soccer team on her days off (Figure 1). All you have to do is call and beep her! Even a superhero knows that being a role model for kids just like you, is just as important to saving the world. Do you ever wonder how you got so talented at the sport you are currently playing? The determination to get better does have to come from inside you, but your coach also has an impact on your skills. A mentor or a coach is defined as a "relationship with an advisor or peer who acts as a role model" (2).Coaching and mentoring are the same in many ways because both are there to help you positively. The real question is, do you have what it takes to become the best? 

                                                                  How Coaches Help!

Figure 2

Kim Possible and your coach have many similarities on how they teach you and your teammates. Showing good behavior, focusing on the positive, and encouraging others are the basics for being a helpful coach and mentor (1). For example, have you ever said a bad word because you heard someone else say it? This is where your coaches need to be careful. They are one of the role models in your life that are supposed to show you good behavior. Figure 2 lets you see how Kim is helping a young athlete understand what he did wrong. She realizes that being a coach means teaching them more than just the sport. This also goes along with focusing on the positive. Instead of getting frustrated and quitting at something you just can't get down, your coach is there to give you a boost. The more positive they are to you, the more you want to reach your goal. Their purpose is to not let you quit, but to succeed. Encouragement is one of the other ways that your coach should be there for you. For instance, if you score a goal in one of your soccer games, high fives and "good jobs" should be surrounding you. These actions and words are keeping your love for the game. Seeing someone that has such a positive influence on life, makes you think how do I become a coach? 

Becoming a Mentor/Coach

Figure 3

Being a role model for kids takes more than just a sign-up sheet. Each coach you experience playing a sport with, all have specific skills. Leadership and listening are the qualities that a coach must present to their team. If you decide to become a coach, you need to be able to have control over your players. They aren't going to learn if all they do is goof off and not practice. As a coach, you are supposed to keep them focused and guide them to success. A role model who leads them will see a positive outcome in their young athletes in not just the sport, but in life itself. The other skill that coaches need to focus on is to listen to their team. Kids should be able to ask their coach questions if they don't understand how to do a skill or play. Figure 3 helps show how Kim is trying to teach her team how to kick a soccer ball. Kim Possible listened to what the kids needed help with and taught them the right way. A coach will only be able to help their athlete if they listen to them and teach them what they need to know. This will lead your future team to success. 

                                                                     Call Me, Beep Me, If You Wanna Coach Me!

Kim possible is here to tell you that there is more than just being a coach. It takes a set of skills and practice to be the best coach that you can be. Even fighting evil won't hold Kim back from helping her little league soccer team. Being a coach is more than just how many wins and losses you have. It's about making a positive impact on the kids and being a role model. It takes a special kind of person to do this job. 

 Here is a video of how coaches impacted kids just like you.                            

References 

(1) Peer-to-peer mentorship among young athletes. (2016, April 7). Retrieved April 13, 2017, from http://globalsportsdevelopment.org/peer-to-peer-mentorship-among-youth-athletes/

(2)Yu, Andrea (2017). The Power of Mentors and Sponsors. Retrieved from  http://web.b.ebscohost.com/

Figure 1: Coach Possible [Web Image]. Retrieved from http://kimpossible.wikia.com/wiki/Coach_Possible

Figure 2: Kim Possible [Web Image]. Retrieved from  https://wn.com/kim_possible_s1e11_coach_possible

Figure 3: Coach Possible [Web Image]. (2015).  Retrieved from http://fanaru.com/kim-possible/image/76650/coach-possible-episode-screencap-1x11-screenshot/

Students Helping Students

Students Helping Students

Figure 1 Student helping Student do homework

Have you ever needed a little extra help in school, but no teachers were available to help? This happens to a lot of students your age. There is a way that you can solve this problem or help your fellow classmates. This is through a program most schools call mentoring, in this blog you will learn all about student to student mentoring. 

Figure 2 Why mentoring

        Student to student mentoring is the type of mentoring you as a student will mostly be involved in. These programs are just as they seem. They can be used for new student in a school or students who just need a little extra help in a school subject. If the student is new to the school the mentor is really there to show them around and be a friend for the first week or two after they moved. While this student is new they may not know how to find their classes yet so the mentor will make sure that the mentee gets to class on time with no issues. 

Figure 3 benefits of  mentoring

        Another type of student to student mentoring is for students who need a little extra help in a class that they are struggling in. This program is kind of like tutoring but the difference is that with the mentoring you can build a relationship with the mentor and work on more than just school work. This program usually meets once  or twice a week depending on the need of the mentee. In this program they go over the home work, study for tests and quizzes, and also try to work out anything that my have confused them in class about a certain lesson.

          If your interested in getting involved as a mentor or mentee there are a few things you need to do. The first thing is to talk to you school and if there is a program available, if not maybe you can get one started. The next thing is to figure out the requirements if the school has a program. There may be different requirements for mentor versus mentee. Once you find out the requirements and fill them you can sign up and begin helping your classmates or getting help from another student. Another thing to do is if you feel you need a mentor and your school does not have a program, there is still a way you can get the help you need. There is program out there that is called Big Brother Big Sister of America and this is found in many communities. To see if there is a program available in you community here is a like that will help you and your parents learn more about the program: Big Bother Big Sister link.

References

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. (2016). Retrieved April 13, 2017, from http://www.bbbs.org/

Carden, A. (n.d.). The Inspired Counselor. Retrieved May 01, 2017, from http://theinspiredcounselor.blogspot.com/2014/06/student-mentor-program.html

Free Student Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://www.discoveryeducation.com//students/?campaign=flyout_students

Mentoring school students - a win win situation. (2016). Food New Zealand, 16(6), 42.

(n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://www.cbapkids.com/about/

Cosmetic Surgery

  

                          Quick Fix?

Is there any part of your body that you wish you could change?  A majority of people have at least one physical characteristic that they do not like about themselves.  They may not like the size of their nose, the size of their breasts, or the sagging of their skin.  We should always remember that nobody is perfect!  It is very important to feel comfortable and confident in our own skin.  On the other hand, if changing something about your appearance will help you feel more confident and happy, then there are options to do so.
What is it?

    Cosmetic surgery is a procedure that enhances the bodies appearance through surgical and medical techniques.  In other words, it fixes a part of your body that you do not like, and changes it to how you would like it to look! There are many different types of cosmetic procedures such as Rhinoplasty, which is another word for a nose job.  This procedure can change the size and shape of your nose.  Another procedure that can be done is something called Liposuction.  Liposuction is where they remove excess fat from the body using a suction like tool, kind of similar to a vacuum.  As we can see in this cartoon picture of Mrs. Potato Head, she is much thinner in the after photo.






           Breast implants make breasts larger

Pros

There are so many good things that cosmetic surgery can bring to a person, emotionally and physically!  One of those things is improving self confidence.  If a person does not like the way they look, they may feel very down and insecure about themselves.  Having surgery to change this part of their appearance may help them feel much more confident and beautiful. They will finally be comfortable in their own skin and happy to go out and show themselves to the world!  Not only do these procedures help a person feel more beautiful, but they can also bring health benefits to a person who is suffering with a problem.  An example of a health benefit of cosmetic surgery is reducing the size of a woman's breasts.  This can help a person get rid of back pain, if they have it.  Cosmetic surgery is also a miracle for many people who suffer from burns, have been injured in a car accident, have had cancer, a birth defect, or have any type of scarring that they would like to improve the appearance of. 

               Cons   
    There are also some not so good things that can be involved with having cosmetic surgery.  One of those things is the cost.  Surgery is a very expensive thing to have done.  There are many different fees that need to be paid for.  Unfortunately, some people may not be able to afford them.  Another not so good part of cosmetic surgery is the recovery time.  After having any type of surgery, you really need to take it easy and relax.  This means no activities that can affect the healing process.  It may take a very long time before a person can return to their normal everyday routine.

  

    Deciding to get cosmetic surgery is a big decision!  It is completely your choice and nobody else's.  You really must be 100 percent sure that you want to make this change to your body because once you have surgery, there will be no returning to the way you originally looked before.  It is permanent.  Having any type of surgery comes with risks.  There is no guarantee that you will look exactly how you wanted to look in the end.  If you are considering getting cosmetic surgery, age should be a huge factor in your decision. You must understand the risks that come along with changing your body.  As you are still growing and developing, remember that there is plenty of time for your body to change!   

                                                                References

Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2017, from
          http://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/patient-resources/cosmetic-surgery-vs-plastic-surgery
Haller, C. The Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Surgery
       Retrieved from: http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1015441/the-pros-and-cons- of-plastic-surgery
Figure 3-  On Female Body Image and the New Cosmetic Surgery Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02,                2017 from http://www.aestheticshub.com/news/news/on-female-body-image-and-  the-new-cosmetic-surgery-statistics

Figure 4- Nguyen, H. (2016, June 13). Cosmetic Surgery - TOK Presentation. Retrieved May 02, 2017, from https://prezi.com/lupyfu3-f_q3/cosmetic-surgery-tok-presentation/

Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2017,   from http://surgery.med.miami.edu/plastic-and-reconstructive/skin-grafting-flap-                                       surgery
Figure 2(woman)- Plastic Surgery on WordPress.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2017, from https://jirlajem.wordpress.com/

I Don't Like My Nose

                                              

Figure 1. This is Emma.

Figure 2. Emma is
looking in the
mirror.

This is my friend Emma (Figure 1)! Emma is looking at herself in the mirror and thinking, "I don't really like my nose. I like everything else about myself, but I don't really like my nose" (Figure 2).

I think we can all relate to Emma. Is there something you don't like about yourself?

 Emma is wondering, "Can I change my nose? Is it okay to change my nose?"

Emma is perfect just the way she is. Just like you! You don't have to change, but you might want to change. When you are older, perhaps around age 18, there is something you can do to change the way you look.

Emma asks, "How do I do that?"

Figure 3. A woman puts on cosmetics.

Many people consult a person called a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon is a special type of doctor that shapes people's body parts the way they want them to look. This process is called cosmetic surgery (1). Emma and you might know what cosmetics are. Cosmetics are makeup. Lipstick, eye shadow, and
mascara are cosmetics. People put them on their faces and they look nice. Your mom might put makeup on in the morning like the woman in the picture (Figure 3). Just like makeup, cosmetic surgery is something people do to look different than they normally do.

Cosmetic surgery is something that lots of people choose to do. It's becoming more and more popular (5). Both girls and boys can get cosmetic surgery (4)!

Figure 4. This woman had Botox put into her face

Sometimes older people have cosmetic surgery to look younger. Emma remembers that her grandma had what is called "Botox" put into their face. Botox helps an older person's face look younger like the woman in the picture (Figure 4). Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries people choose to have (6).

Figure 5. Victoria is puffing up!

Sometimes people get cosmetic surgery to be smaller!

Emma says "Like Victoria Beauregarde in Willy Wonka!"

See how Victoria is all puffed up (Figure 5). Victoria could go to a cosmetic surgeon and they could make her small again.

Look! She is all better (Figure 6)! The cosmetic surgeon used a process called "liposuction". They took the extra stuff in the girl out with a special tool like a vacuum (3).

Figure 6. Victoria is back to normal.

People may also choose to change a part of their face. Emma says, "I might do that when I'm older!" Sure, you can do that when you're older. There are a couple things you need to remember though.

There are things anyone who gets cosmetic surgery must think about before taking the next step.
First, remember that this process is permanent. It isn't like makeup that you can wash off.

Then you have to ask yourself why you want to get the surgery. Remember that how you look doesn't make you who you are. Make sure that you talk to a doctor about how you see yourself before you make any decisions about cosmetic surgery. A doctor will make sure you have the right ideas before you make a big decision like that!

So, Emma, do you still want to change your nose?

"I might! But surgery kind of sounds scary!"

Figure 7. The cosmetic surgeon talks to the patient
about the surgery to help her feel more
comfortable. 

It is scary, even for adults. That's why before anyone gets cosmetic surgery they go visit the cosmetic surgeon (Figure 7). They talk about the steps of the surgery and visit where it is going to happen. By visiting the surgeon and the place they will get the surgery, they feel more comfortable (2). This may also help someone who is undecided and maybe a little scared like you, Emma!

That decision is still a long time away for you, Emma, but does it all make sense?

"Sure it does! Maybe one day I'll change my nose, maybe not!"

Is there something you want to change like Emma? That's something to think about when you're older. It's important to talk to your parents about feelings you have about the way you look. Sometimes not liking the way we look might mean that we are sad about other things. Talk to your parents about the way you feel and remember that it doesn't matter how you look, it's about what's on the inside!



References

(1) American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. (2017). Cosmetic surgery vs. plastic surgery. Retrieved from American

Board of Cosmetic Surgery website: http://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/ patient-resources/cosmetic-surgery
vs-plastic-surgery/
(2) American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2017). Introduction. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient
safety
(3) American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2017). Liposuction. Retrieved from American Society of Plastic Surgeons
 https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/procedure

(4) Diller, V. (2014, December 29). The normalization of cosmetic surgery. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from
http://huffingtonpost.com/
(5) Stein, J. (2015, June 18). Nip. Tuck. Or else. Time Magazine. Retrieved from http://time.com/
(6) Walden, J. (2017). Top 5 most popular plastic surgery treatments. Shape. Retrieved from http://shape.com/