Living a Life of Compassion
Chiye Fox is a Juvenile Probation Counselor at the Department of Juvenile Services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In her role, she is dedicated to supporting youth who have experienced trauma. Chiye utilizes her education in restorative practices to face the challenges of technology and leans into the importance of self-reflection and self-care as a professional. As a recent graduate of our degree program, she shares her reflections on the impact earning her Master of Science in Restorative Practices has had on her professional and personal life.
Q: What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most useful in your career?
A: Throughout this program, I discovered how crucial self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-healing are to effectively embody a restorative-practices-based approach. Being restorative is not just about applying strategies or practices; it is a lifestyle. In order to be a restorative practitioner, we must approach relationships and trauma from a place of compassion and love, and not take negative behaviors and interactions as personal attacks against us or who we are. While I had been following Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, The Four Agreements, this program deepened my understanding of why these principles are vital. It taught me the importance of maintaining a “place of love” and continuously relating to others from that perspective. Most importantly, this program showed me how to sustain this mindset through self-care and self-reflection, enabling me to consistently relate to people with genuine compassion.
Q: How did your time at the IIRP positively impact your current career, interests, friends, and/or family?
A: The coursework and personal development I gained through the IIRP’s graduate program were transformative. They not only helped me recognize the value of my knowledge but also equipped me with the skills to effectively communicate through writing and multimedia. This program gave me the confidence and courage to actively share my insights and make meaningful contributions to my field, interests, friends, and family. I am excited about the positive impact this will have on both my career and personal growth.
Q: How are you applying what you have learned in your workplace, community, or family?
A: In my role as a juvenile probation counselor, I interact with many children suffering from trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) who have developed coping mechanisms that often manifest as disrespect, defiance, substance abuse, and verbal and physical aggression, among other behaviors. By utilizing the skills and knowledge I’ve gained, I can de-escalate difficult situations and create a safe and supportive environment for these youths. I also have the opportunity to collaborate with school staff, which often gives me the chance to offer support in managing incidents using restorative practices. Currently, I am working on a personal project, developing an alternative to punitive sanctions and community service within our juvenile program. My goal is to reduce recidivism by offering more constructive and supportive interventions that align with the principles of restorative practices and restorative justice.
Q: What was your favorite course, and why?
A: Choosing a favorite course is so challenging! Each one contributed significantly to my growth. Evaluation of Research, Integrating Seminar, and Social and Emotional Learning in the Restorative Classroom were particularly impactful. They not only taught me how to write scholarly articles but also equipped me with the skills to create compelling video and PowerPoint presentations. Thanks to these courses, I now have confidence in my ability to create and produce content that can help others heal, embrace life, and cultivate self-love. Transforming Relational Harm and Restorative Practices in Life Space Crisis Intervention played a crucial role in my personal development. They helped me understand myself: my values; my priorities; my fears; and where they all stemmed from, freeing me from biases, negative thoughts, and limiting beliefs. This self-awareness has helped me overcome obstacles that kept me stuck and has empowered me to finally help others on their paths to restoration and healing.