I was a parent volunteer for the Challenge Day at Homestead High School. I felt in awe of the students and how they shared their painful feelings with each other (and us) the parent volunteers. Each student became more magnificent as they put words and tears to their troubles. I felt we had given each other a safe place to say our truth. We were not there to fix, change or control anyone. We simply offered a deep, focused listening to each other. We did not interrupt each other or comment on anything that was said. From my experience this is the greatest gift one person can give to another. As a parent volunteer, I was asked to participate the same way the students did. This brought me to my own broken heart. I felt the students connect with me as a person, not a parent or authority figure. We hugged, embraced and with few words showed our empathy for the reality we all are challenged to face. By the end of the day, the students I worked with were shocked and touched by the troubles their friends revealed. People they saw everyday were having as much trouble as they were. This helped everyone take a student body wide perspective on wanting to reach out to others who might be hurting. I believe Challenge Day offers a safe place to help students identify and let out their emotions. It is this experience in the company of their peers that gives students empathy for themselves and others. They see themselves as one of many teenagers who is facing difficult challenges. It helps them to see how they can empower themselves by speaking up, asking for support and offering it as well. I believe these are all skills that teens can use to care for themselves and which prevent the need to bully anyone (including themselves) Wonderful, thank you, keep up the good work! Much unsaid, Sincerely, Karen Parent, Homestead High School ~ Thank you, Karen, for sharing time to volunteer at this day and also for taking time to share your experience with us. ~
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:05:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015