I am Paige Cole, I have my degree in Strategic Organization. I am passionate about self advocacy and helping others get what they want. I value time spent on enriching projects.
I was able to spend 60+ hours learning about, adverse childhood experiences and how it affects our communities. Through my research, I have come to understand the way to end ACEs is through teaching children to be resilient, being good mentors to children, and teaching family values.
Why a Project on ACEs?
Andra Smith-Hansen, my mentor, wanted some research done on ACEs and how it applies in a community. BYU-I students, enrolled in Community Outreach, have been volunteering their time at Harwood Elementary. Helping Harwood with their after-school program. During the time at the after-school program, students of Harwood, have time to work on their homework, have some recreation time, and a snack time. BYU-I volunteers help the elementary students with these different activities. Andra wanted to make sure that these volunteers to be aware of ACEs, and how to combat those issues and thus my project was born.
What is ACEs?
I researched and found that ACEs “are potentially traumatic experiences… that can affect children for years and impact their life opportunities.”[1] Some of those traumatic experiences are: neglect, abuse, household changes (like divorce or imprisonment), witnessing or experiencing suicide or a loved one and witnessing/being in a traumatic event in the community. This list is not an all inclusive list.
I have also come to understand that ACEs is not just a problem in the lower income brackets, but affects everyone. In fact, 1 in 6 adults experience four or more types of ACEs.
What did I do?
I wrote and E-Book about the affects of ACEs and how I think the best way to help conquer ACEs. It is attached below. I also interviewed individuals I knew personally and shared their story. If interested in those stories you can email me at cole320@gmail.com
Contact me at: linkedin.com/in/paige-cole-644196221