Bullying, whether it occurs face-to-face or online, continues to pose significant challenges for our youth. With increasing connectivity among children and teenagers, the prevalence of bullying is becoming more alarming with each passing year. Kollab Youth remains steadfast in its dedication to providing a secure environment where teenagers can not only acquire valuable insights into professional development but also develop essential life skills such as managing their social and emotional well-being. Confronting the harsh realities and dangers of bullying often leads to heightened levels of anxiety and depression among young people, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support.
In addition to using our connections to introduce our teens to people who can inspire them for their professional accomplishments, Kollab Youth also wants teens to be able to relate to these people for other reasons. Presley Aronson is a talented musician, director, producer, and philanthropist has generously supported Kollab Youth over the years, in many ways. Our teens love experiencing his musical gifts, but more importantly, he is an advocate for anti-bullying efforts. He admittedly dealt with multiple kinds of bullying as a young person. Aronson has made it part of his life mission to make teens feel less alone in their struggles with bullying. He graciously shares that passion with our Kollab Youth teens. Aronson formed his own production company at age 14, which he still runs, providing a platform for youth to learn the industry's ins and outs with hands-on experience.
“In a perfect world there is no bullying,” Aronson stated about his wishes for this next generation of teens. “I was blessed and fortunate to overcome my struggles caused by bullying. I was then motivated to embark on my mission of helping kids and teens to overcome it as well..”
Aronson spoke to the complexities of bullying. Pointing out things like the fact that the bully and the person being bullied are both often struggling in their own ways. He expressed the connection as a shared trauma. Being able to separate himself from his personal experience to call out the layered impacts and effects of something like bullying creates meaningful conversation with our youth.
He combined his passion for anti-bullying and talents as a musician to write his award-winning song “Background.” He expressed that writing and performing this song was a way to prove to his younger self that he could make something positive out of the pain he experienced. Using his past experiences to create something good is a wonderful example for our teens to witness.
Aronson finds a lot of significant time in his busy schedule to dedicate to Kollab Youth teens. He hosted a large group of our teens at his concert at the Toyota Arena, helped cohost the Music Matters event at the Grammy Museum, and continues to teach Master Classes. Aronson has consistently brought his talents and mentorship to Kollab Youth’s signature event Teen Summit. He performed and interacted with the teens – an experience he calls “humbling.”
Aronson is quick to mention how much he enjoys working with Kollab Youth teens. “I want them to know that no matter what they are going through, they are not alone,” he said about his ‘why’ when it comes to Kollab. “They can accomplish anything that they set their minds to. There is no such thing as failure only giving up before we succeed.”
Kollab Youth extends its heartfelt gratitude to Aronson for generously sharing his talents and inspiring testimonies with teenagers. His guidance offers a shining beacon of hope, showcasing how to navigate challenges and transform adversity into opportunities for extraordinary achievements. Thank you, Presley!
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