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Episode 19: Transforming Trauma into Triumph: Featuring Carlina Shotwell

Show Notes
[00:00:00] Introduction

• Eddie Isin introduces Carlina Shotwell, a former foster youth turned life skills educator, writer, foster advocate, and public speaker.
• Brief overview of Carlina’s book "Journey" and her mission to help foster youth.

[00:02:43] Carlina's Early Life and Writing "Journey"

• Carlina shares her personal experiences entering foster care on June 29th, 2001.
• Discussion on the significance of the cover of her book "Journey," which features her first foster home.
• Carlina explains the motivation behind writing "Journey" as an icebreaker for children entering foster care.

[00:04:50] Themes in "Journey"

• Carlina covers various facets of child welfare, including foster care, adoption, group homes, and kinship care.
• Emphasis on providing a child’s perspective to ease young minds entering the foster system.

[00:10:03] Becoming an Advocate and Educator

• Carlina’s journey from a foster youth to an advocate and educator.
• Her involvement in facilitating workshops and volunteering at child welfare events.
• Carlina’s transition to creating a curriculum and workbook for life skills education.

[00:11:53] Developing the Empower Yourself Life Skills Curriculum

• Carlina’s personal experiences of being unprepared for adulthood after aging out of foster care.
• The creation of a comprehensive life skills curriculum covering decision-making, job readiness, housing essentials, and healthy relationships.

[00:17:21] Carlina’s Drive to Help Others

• Carlina’s inspiration to help others stems from her own challenges and the lack of support her siblings received.
• The importance of not allowing other foster youth to become statistics.

[00:18:06] Impact of Carlina’s Work

• Carlina discusses the positive outcomes from her curriculum, including foster youth improving their credit scores and achieving financial independence.
• Carlina’s commitment to ensuring no child she touches is left behind.

[00:20:45] Common Challenges for Foster Youth

• Discussion on common issues faced by foster youth, including homelessness and early pregnancy.
• Importance of education on safe sex practices and healthy relationships.

[00:26:40] Spiritual and Motivational Insights

• Carlina and Eddie discuss the importance of higher consciousness and spiritual practices in personal growth.
• The role of adaptability and willingness to pivot in achieving life goals.

[00:41:05] Influence of Shante Carson

• Carlina shares how her social worker, Shante Carson, played a crucial role in her life and continues to support her work.
• Shante’s impact on Carlina’s advocacy and curriculum development.

[00:52:29] Final Thoughts

• Carlina’s advice to those facing challenges: be willing to pivot and receive help when it’s offered.

[00:53:20] Conclusion

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