Demetri Clanton graduated with dual degrees in psychology and criminal justice from Michigan State in 2014. During his time at MSU, Demetri was involved with the Adolescent Diversion Program (ADP) which fueled his passion for social work and getting resources to youth. Demetri sat down with us to talk about how ADP impacted his life and what advice he would give to students considering getting involved with ADP.
How did the Adolescent Diversion Program impact your life?
ADP made me look at life from a different perspective and taught me to be more hands on, more engaging and to meet people where they are. The youth that I experienced came from a difficult background, but what really helped me get through the program and changed my life, was learning to meet them at their level. It really opened my eyes to different perspectives and how to engage, but also how to get resources to help students. In my current position as a Program Consultant with the Maternal Public Health Institute, I deal with grants all day, which have a big impact for the community, for kids and health centers. So, it really shaped the way that I thought and how I could apply what I learned to real life situations.
Can you talk about the hands on approach of ADP?
It's one thing to go to class and learn something and not apply it to real life situations. But with ADP, it’s in real time. You learn it and then you meet with the youth, so you get that back and forth. You can see the growth. We also took a strength-based approach. So, for example, my youth was really into motorcycles and dirt bikes, so I took him to a mechanical shop, teaching him different things. We used what he loved and put it in in real life situations.
Did ADP help you figure out your career path?
Yes, my experience with ADP helped me see that working with youth is a passion of mine, so I ended up getting a master’s in social work. I feel like social work chose me, but I say ADP pushed me to that direction.
Did you feel supported throughout your time with ADP?
I like to be thrown in, but Sean and so many others were always there to support us if we needed help or a consultation. And the classes were pretty lengthy, so that gave us a time to express ourselves and talk through obstacles we were facing. I felt really supported throughout the whole program, and that's why I continue to come back to support the program.
What would you say to someone thinking about ADP?
Have an open mind. If there's something that you thought you knew, be prepared to learn more and apply that throughout your entire experience with the program, but also in life in general.
Anything else you’d like to add about ADP?
I love ADP. I love it, and that's why I keep coming back. It has changed my life.