Back to my roots

I always wonder what impact growing up in Northern Ireland had on me as a person and as a youthworker? I think that being the son of a Policeman it definitely placed me outside the rest of society - used to the mild hostility and distrust from both major communities. Sometimes I think that this has helped me need to belong less to one specific group or sub culture, which in its own way has helped me to relate to all cultures. Within my youthwork journey this has meant an ability to connect with young Protestants and Catholics in Belfast, the working class communities in Edinburgh, young Zulu men, women from the Sioux and Roseblood Tribes and gang members in South Central Los Angeles. Now as I enter the next phase of my life in New Orleans, Louisiana, working with the young men and women of Westbank I am really excited to learn and experience another community. Wish me luck...