Catawba College students enrolled in Adolescent Psychology, taught by Dr. Amy Holmes, an assistant professor of psychology, recently had the opportunity to visit the new Miller Recreation Teen Center in Salisbury. The Catawba students spent time with the teens playing basketball, pool, ping pong, football, and video games.
After a semester of discussing adolescent development, students took what they learned and applied the information outside of the classroom.
Jordan Hunt of Lexington commented that she was “kind of nervous” because she didn’t know what to expect from the experience. However, once she started talking with the teens, she became more comfortable and wants to continue volunteering her time at the teen center.
Similarly, Jo’Rill Moore of Monroe was unsure of how to interact with the young adolescents until he challenged one of them to a basketball video game and later was asked to come back to the center for a rematch. Moore said, “I never imagined I would make such an impression on a child I didn’t know.”
Brianna Allison of Cleveland got to know an 11-year-old female who tried to teach Allison how to play the basketball video game. Allison never quite picked up the skills needed to win, but she had a great time.
The Catawba students agreed that the Teen Center is a wonderful place for adolescents to hang out after school. It is a safe space where they can interact with their peers, complete homework, and engage in physical activity.
