World Youth Foundation Builds Youth Resilience Through OST CARES
At World Youth Foundation, we believe emotional wellness is a critical part of youth development. Through OST CARES, our team explored the importance of emotional regulation and how young people can build resilience when facing life's challenges.
During a recent session, Kaya Manns demonstrated mindfulness using a simple but powerful visual. A jar represented the mind, the water symbolized life's experiences and knowledge, and the glitter reflected our emotions. When the jar was shaken, it illustrated how adversity can stir intense feelings, often causing individuals to react before thinking clearly.
Photos: Madison and MacArthur High Schools in Houston, TX.
Youth discussed how overwhelming emotions can lead to behaviors such as crying, yelling, fighting, or acting impulsively. More importantly, they learned that emotional regulation begins with a pause. Just as the glitter eventually settles when the jar is placed down, our emotions can also calm when we allow ourselves time to breathe and reflect.
Participants also explored practical coping strategies, including deep breathing, taking a walk, journaling, listening to music, and practicing self-reflection. These tools help young people respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally in difficult situations.
Effective communication was another key focus. Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings, and learning to calmly express feelings, ask questions, and seek clarity can prevent situations from escalating.
Photos: Madison and MacArthur High Schools in Houston, TX.
Most importantly, youth learned the value of resilience—the ability to recognize that one difficult moment does not define an entire day, season, or life. By processing emotions, learning from challenges, and moving forward with confidence, they strengthen their capacity to overcome adversity.
Through OST CARES, World Youth Foundation continues to create safe spaces where young people develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and lifelong skills that empower them to thrive.
Photos: Madison and MacArthur High Schools in Houston, TX.
