Class of 2009
I have found that kids just need to know two things: that someone will listen when they talk, and that they are not alone.
It seems to me that it is difficult enough to be a high school student or teacher but to add the trauma of losing so many fellow students to the mix seems like it would be overwhelming. On the other hand, when I was in high school in Northern Virginia, there was a great deal of pressure on students to succeed and challenge themselves. That pressure, along with other factors, definitely affected both my peers and myself negatively at times.
I can definitely say that the art room was my solace, my safe place during those times I felt overwhelmed. The reason for that is twofold. First, the teachers in the art department are both supportive and challenging. I felt that I was constantly challenged to work hard but knew that if I were to ask for help or advice that would be provided without question. Secondly, art making in itself was and still is a calming activity among the storm that can be high school. To this day, art is where I turn when I am overwhelmed. It is for that reason that I am in a graduate program for art. Art helps, and is the most effective coping mechanism for some students at this very moment. In this difficult time, a creative class is what some of these kids are going to need.
Currently, I'm interning in the art classroom at a low income, all girls middle school. In my brief and limited experience there, I have found that kids just need to know two things: that someone will listen when they talk, and that they are not alone. That is all that teachers can provide for them and that is what my art teacher provided for me in high school. The art classroom and the artistic process were why I made it through high school.
You are not alone. Together we can be resilient. However, this website is not to be used in place of therapy or other forms of help. Non-judgmental help is available 24-7: Call Crisis Link at 1-800-273-TALK(8255). Text with a Crisis Text Line specialist, by texting “TALK” to 741-741. (You can also go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.)
You can also chat online with a specialist at CrisisChat.org (between 2pm and 2am) or ImAlive.org. Many other links to various types of assistance are also available on our RESOURCES page. Help is out there. Reach out, for yourself, or for someone else.
I have found that kids just need to know two things: that someone will listen when they talk, and that they are not alone.
It seems to me that it is difficult enough to be a high school student or teacher but to add the trauma of losing so many fellow students to the mix seems like it would be overwhelming. On the other hand, when I was in high school in Northern Virginia, there was a great deal of pressure on students to succeed and challenge themselves. That pressure, along with other factors, definitely affected both my peers and myself negatively at times.
I can definitely say that the art room was my solace, my safe place during those times I felt overwhelmed. The reason for that is twofold. First, the teachers in the art department are both supportive and challenging. I felt that I was constantly challenged to work hard but knew that if I were to ask for help or advice that would be provided without question. Secondly, art making in itself was and still is a calming activity among the storm that can be high school. To this day, art is where I turn when I am overwhelmed. It is for that reason that I am in a graduate program for art. Art helps, and is the most effective coping mechanism for some students at this very moment. In this difficult time, a creative class is what some of these kids are going to need.
Currently, I'm interning in the art classroom at a low income, all girls middle school. In my brief and limited experience there, I have found that kids just need to know two things: that someone will listen when they talk, and that they are not alone. That is all that teachers can provide for them and that is what my art teacher provided for me in high school. The art classroom and the artistic process were why I made it through high school.
You are not alone. Together we can be resilient. However, this website is not to be used in place of therapy or other forms of help. Non-judgmental help is available 24-7: Call Crisis Link at 1-800-273-TALK(8255). Text with a Crisis Text Line specialist, by texting “TALK” to 741-741. (You can also go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.)
You can also chat online with a specialist at CrisisChat.org (between 2pm and 2am) or ImAlive.org. Many other links to various types of assistance are also available on our RESOURCES page. Help is out there. Reach out, for yourself, or for someone else.
