152. How to Form Genuine Connections with Students - with Donovan Hall, Youth Empowerment Advocate, Educator, Coach

“Sometimes I just want someone to sit with me and say, ‘I know you’re scared.’ And I never had that when I was a kid, and I don’t have it now.” - Donovan Hall It’s our THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY episode and this conversation is a SPECIAL ONE! Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Donovan Hall. As a youth empowerment and development advocate, Donovan is currently speaking, coaching, creating content, and working on creating his first docuseries about youth in America. Donovan, with his teaching persona Donofriend, is a natural talent with kids and in the classroom. But what you’ll learn today is that this persona cannot persist without reconciling some things behind the mask…   (0:20) Ashanti’s introduction. (6:30) Donovan introduces himself and how he dedicates himself to youth development and empowerment. Then, he and Ashanti dive right into learning, pedagogy, and emotional intelligence. (17:20) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - funny, serious, dedicated - and he and Donovan reframe their relationship with dedication, grit, and choice. (26:05) Donovan shares the front of his mask - Donofriend: caring, goofy, charismatic - and breaks down his approach to working in schools. (33:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, pride, failure. (41:20) Donovan shares the back of his mask - Donovan: fear, loneliness, self-doubt - and how Donofriend is “at stake” if he doesn’t take care of Donovan. (54:00) Ashanti and Donovan discuss why it is hard to “Be Your Own Best Friend” even when they preach it to others. (1:03:30) Ashanti and Donovan discuss growth mindset, before wrapping up the conversation. --- Connect with Donovon Hall: Website: www.donovantaylorhall.com Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @donofriend --- Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org Email us questions and comments at [email protected]  --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch Website: branchspeaks.com --- Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support