What is Trauma: A Personal Experience of Family Separation | April McCray | TEDxTallahassee

In this talk, April McCray will share her personal experience of trauma and the triumphant approach she took to overcome it. Social worker and licensed clinician April McCray shares her real-life experience and underscores the impact of trauma associated with multiple removals that resulted in separation from her mother. Ms. McCray, also challenges our society to re-imagine and re-engineer the current child welfare system. My name is April Ciara McCray. I grew up in Tallahassee and Blountstown, Florida. I am the daughter of Regina Martin- Hicks but my loving godparents Mr. Norris and Ruby Barr help raise me. I am the mother of Joi Marie Fields who’s two years old! She’s is my biggest blessing!
At an early age, I experienced some growing pains. However, by the age of thirteen I surrendered my life to the Lord and began to blossom. In keeping with His divine plan for my earthly journey, God placed caring individuals in my path. Those individuals helped me identify and develop my scholastic abilities and spiritual gifts. While a student at Covenant Academy, I saw the need to express my gratitude for those who guided me by reciprocating and helping others. I did so by forming a mentoring group for young teen girls.
Upon graduating from High School in 2010, I attended Tallahassee Community College (TCC) where I majored in Biology on a full STEM Star academic scholarship. While a TCC student, I applied for an internship to conduct research at the renowned Brookhaven National Laboratory (a multipurpose research institution funded primarily by the U.S Department of Energy’s Office of Science) in Long Island, New York. I was one of four recipients selected out of a pool of 200 applicants to conduct research on Brookhaven Atmospheric Tracer Samplers (BATS) Units for six months (Now Tell Me God Is Good). After my internship, I returned to TCC to resume my studies, graduating with honors with an Associate degree in Biology.
I obtained my Bachelor’s degree from the Florida State University College of Social Work in May 2015. In August 2016, I received my Master of Clinical Social Work Degree from Florida State University. I also obtained my license as a Clinical Social Worker.
While obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I was blessed with the opportunity to conduct and facilitate an all-girls empowerment and etiquette group at The Florida State University in the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement Department.
At this moment in my life, I have done a plethora of speaking engagements by empowering young teen and women the importance of becoming victors and not receiving the labeling of victims. I also empower individuals the importance of wanting to live on the street called, “Very Successful.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Видео What is Trauma: A Personal Experience of Family Separation | April McCray | TEDxTallahassee канала TEDx Talks