FAMILY STUDIES
Hi, I’m Nicolette! I am currently working to obtain my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Studies and Master of Education in Counseling and Development through Lamar University. Upon completing my education and licensing, I will work as a marriage and family therapist.
May 30, 2024
WHAT’S TO COME:
A new semester and a new course is on the horizon for me! This digital portfolio will serve as a roadmap to the wisdom and growth I obtain throughout this course. I am thoroughly enjoying the degree path that I am on right now. I am advancing in knowledge, sharpening my skills and enhancing my professional tool belt in preparation to working in the field of family strength and empowerment. I believe families are the most fundamental unit among any society across the globe which is why it is imperative to build and strengthen families.
Nicolette Hamilton
CCFR
CCFR
CARDINAL COUNCIL
ON FAMILY RELATIONS
A new beacon for academic excellence, community service, and focus on empowering family units is emerging at Lamar University – the Cardinal Council on Family Relations (CCFR).
What truly sets CCFR apart is the value of having a student council specifically focused on family relations. Our unique perspective allows us to advocate for the needs and interests of families, amplifying their voices in academic discourse and policy discussions.
Together as we begin to build a legacy, it is my vision as President of CCFR, to provide a foundation of academic advancement support, networking connections, collaborative opportunities, and resources that empower students and faculty to make a profound impact within families, communities and beyond.
Our vision includes providing pathways for continuous learning, equipping members with the knowledge and skills to excel in their academic and professional pursuits. The CCFR is dedicated to fostering innovation in family relation studies through academics, research engagement, community service projects, professional networking connections, and by offering training and development. It is through meaningful engagement within local communities that powers transformation and contributes to positive social changes for families. We are committed to connecting our members with professionals in the field, facilitating mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement.
One of our goals, in the upcoming months, is to become an esteemed affiliation of the National Council on Family Relations, further solidifying our commitment to excellence and leadership in the field. Together, it is our vision to shape the future of family relations – one initiative at a time, laying the foundation for stronger, healthier communities and families.
Read about all the wonderful things taking place within the Family Studies Program at Lamar University
organize your table - ARTIFACT 1.2
Key Developmental Information for Adolescence
Reference:
June 7, 2024
parts of a brain - ARTIFACT 2.3
OUR BRAINS | FUNCTION | LOCATION | FUN FACTS |
FRONTAL LOBE | Responsible for reasoning, planning, emotion control, movement of specific body parts. How we focus. | Front part of the brain | The frontal lobe is one of the last brain regions to mature, which is why teenagers often struggle with impulse control. |
PARIETAL LOBE | Processes sensory of information from the body. What we touch, what we taste, and the pain we feel. | near the top and back of the brain. | it’s all fun and games eating a tasty frozen treat until all of a sudden .... brain freeze! this happens when cold hits outer receptors called meninges |
TEMPORAL LOBE | Auditory processing and also plays a role in memory and language comprehension. What we hear. | Found on the sides of the brain, near the ears. | The temporal lobe houses the primary auditory cortex, where sound information is first processed in the brain. |
OCCIPITAL LOBE | Responsible for processing visual information from the eyes. What we see. | Positioned at the back of the brain. | The occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex, which is essential for basic visual processing such as recognizing shapes and colors. |
CEREBELLUM | Coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture. How we move. | base of the brain, below the occipital lobe. | this is small and mighty! It contains more than half of the brain's neurons, and information can travel up to 268 mph |
BRAINSTEM | Regulates breathing, heartbeat, swallowing, facial expressions. It also controls arousal and sleep. Helps our bodies function. | Connects THE brain to spinal cord, at the base of the brain. | our brains can generate 23 watts of power, which can power up a light bulb. our brains are always active which is why it needs rest to recharge |
References:
&
Northwestern Medicine. (n.d.). 11 fun facts about your brain. Northwestern Medicine. Retrieved June 15, 2024, from https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/11-fun-facts-about-your-brain
June 15, 2024
ARTIFACT 3.2
In learning how sleep vastly affects our brain and development, especially in adolescent years, I now believe that sleep is the secret to a successful life!
Enjoy this fun whimsical short story I wrote about a star named Nova and her new found appreciation for sleep.
CLICK TO READ
June 18, 2024
getting things in order - ARTIFACT 4.1
What influences teens to
have such risky behavior?
It’s a brain thing! The “suboptimal choice” leads to modern risks, which stems from their underdeveloped frontal cortex. They just aren’t able to recognize how their choices can affect or harm themselves and others. Once a heightened dopamine response is triggered and then doesn’t have a negative affect, it shapes risky behavior without considering consequences or future outcome from that behavior. Teens are heavily influenced by media, internet and social community more than ever in history. Educating teens and parents on the reasoning behind the behavior can be critical to aiding in teen development.
Reference:
June 27, 2024
BE A COFFEE BEAN
Damon West, was once an esteemed athlete. He became a drug addict after an injury that started him on pain medications that lead to a meth addiction. He then turned to burglary to feed his meth addiction. His destructive lifestyle caught up to him when he was arrested by the Dallas SWAT team, who referred to him as “Uptown Burglar.” Facing a prison sentence of 65 years and wise council shared with him by another inmate helped to change the pathway of Damon’s life.
A moment of clarity towards a life of sobriety came when he realized he could either disintegrate in jail or use his experience for good and give back to the world, like unto how a coffee been changes the boiling water. The coffee bean is impactful in changing its environment, rather than allowing the environment to change it.
Damon West is impacting others through his “Be A Coffee Bean” initiative by empowering them through motivational speaking and resilience training in order to be able to transform their own environment. He encourages others though his own personal experience and stories, showing them how to persevere through their own adversities. He is a beacon of light, shining upon the directional path for how an individual can change their life and have a more meaningful impact on those around them.
A man that was once an addict, a criminal and a prisoner is now a motivational speaker, a maters education in criminal justice, who is a college professor, an author and an advocate for others that have found themselves on the path that Damon West once followed.
His story highlights the possibility that anyone can change. That no one is chained down to their past choices, that new choices can be made, your environment and lifestyle can be changed, and you can use your talents, knowledge, and wisdom to serve those around you, impacting their life in a more positive way.
You are not stuck where you are. You can make a difference choice at any moment. If you have habits or addictions that are taking away from the quality of your life, you have the ability to redirect your course of life. Within you are talents and skills that this world needs. The path of change isn’t easy, it is a process, but it is possible. Damon West is a living example of just that.
To learn more about Damon’s path, his message, and his call for positive change, click on the link provided.
July 3, 2024
Talk Saves Lives
Suicide Prevention Training
More than 700,000 individuals die by suicide every year. Every life is worth living!
Talk to others, speak up, show up, listen to those around you. If someone is showing signs of despair, disconnect, seclusion, or expressions of the desire to end their life, don’t hesitate to offer care, support and concern. You just may interrupt their thinking of suicide and get them the proper help that they need, and save their life.
If you don’t know what to look for, or how to help, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a wonderful resource that will help you find all of those answers.
Are you or a loved on in a crisis?
Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741
July 13, 2024
BREATHING TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE STRESS
Adolescents can participate in a basic breathing exercises, breathing in for 5 seconds and then breathing out for 5 seconds combined with gentle movements to calm their mind.
July 16, 2024
Creative activities TO REDUCE STRESS
Adolescents can join a dance group or class to enjoy rhythmic movement and express emotions through dance, creating a happy little dance!
let’s get physical - ARTIFACT 6.3
Outdoor activities TO REDUCE STRESS
Adults are also able to incorporate the same breathing technique along with simple stretching exercises to relax their body.
Adults can have an impromptu dance party with their favorite music and friends. This allows for connection and creative expression.
Adolescents can participate in a fun outdoor sports activity with friends or family, allowing for sunshine and friendship to rejuvenate their spirit.
Adults can go on nature walks to explore the beautiful environment, soak up some sunshine and enjoy physical activity in a peaceful setting.
July 23, 2024
THANK YOU!
It is my hope the information shared within this educational portfolio will bring greater light, awareness, and change for the betterment of all types of family units throughout the world. Thank for your your support in visiting my portfolio page!
