The Story Behind Crying, Learning, and Laughing: Why Students Visit The Teen Center by Tamika M. Murray

Life is full of beginnings and endings. When I left my position as a full-time case manager at the Teen Center, I stepped into the role of a freelance writer. Writing was always a part of my life, and I wanted to become an author someday.

About eight months after I began freelancing, my mind drifted back to my kids at the Teen Center. I wanted people to learn about School-Based Youth Service Programs because I knew they worked. So initially, I outlined a blog series and began to write.

As I approached the fourth post, I discovered, “there’s enough information here for a book!” But the fear of writing a book hit me. I’d penned my first draft of a memoir, but it still needed revisions. The fear of failure lurked in the shadows until I watched a film about one of my favorite authors, J.K. Rowling.

While viewing all the obstacles she overcame to bring her boy wizard’s world to life; I realized if I never tried, then I could never succeed.

So I continued outlining the topics I wished to cover. I looked at pictures from field trips. The graduation ceremony booklet, Matilda the Musical program, and the ticket stub from the Philadelphia 76ers game sat on the table as I remembered the trips we’d taken.

Soon the memories of my life at the Teen Center came to life. I went through the steps of hiring an editor, interior designer, and book cover designer to help make my book shine.

I’d started my own imprint company, Celestial Publishing LLC, while working at the Teen Center which eliminated those tedious steps.

Now the world can learn about these School-Based Youth Services programs and how they help our kids cross the threshold from adolescence to adulthood.

About the Author

Tamika M. Murray, better known as Mika, was born in the urban, seaside town of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mika is a certified social worker, owner of Celestial Publishing LLC, freelance writer and soon to be author. She graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Since then, her writing has appeared in over 50 online publications through ghostwriting. Mika’s helped over 200 children and adolescents during her career as an Adjunct English Instructor and Case Manager.
She plans to raise awareness about School-Based Youth Services Programs (Teen Centers) and why they are a necessity in all schools through the release of her book Crying, Learning, and Laughing: Why Students Visit the Teen Center, releasing on September 1, 2020.
She currently resides in Southern, New Jersey, with her boyfriend and three rambunctious kitties.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Website Address: www.mikamurray.com
Twitter Address: https://twitter.com/CelestialScr81

About the Book

The struggle is real, but the help is sincere for adolescent students In Crying, Learning, and Laughing: Why Students Visit the Teen Center. The author recounts the stressful, but the often fun position as a case manager in a Teen Center. Students’ daily interactions in a School-Based Youth Services Program add color to the murky topics of teen dating violence, child abuse, and mental health issues. The unexpected crises don’t hinder the adolescents’ high energy, but it brings insight for the curious reader. Interesting and helpful, Crying, Learning, and Laughing explore the often chaotic life of teens and how social workers in schools shine a light during dark times.

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Tamika-M-Murray/e/B08DFCCMWJ/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1