Coping With Change, Friday, Period 3
//Well, then...// Jono was leaning back against his desk as per usual this week, arms crossed, eyes on the students in the room, //last class. And I suppose the thing to do is to give you a final, but in the end… this isn't really something I can grade you on based on a few answers on a sheet of paper. Besides, I'd much rather teach you all one more thing before we part ways… something that we've been working on since class number one, something that I hope you don't lose sight of, once the bell sounds here and you leave this classroom.//
And something that even Jono could probably use some work on, yes.
//You aren't alone.// He paused for a moment, gave that statement some time to sink in. //I'll say that again, because it bears repeating. You. Are not. Alone. Whatever you're going through, whatever change stands to steal your breath away or leave you dead in your tracks, there are people you can talk to, people who can help you to adjust to that change, or to make the end result as painless, even as beneficial as possible. You're all students of Fandom High, and regardless of what you came from, now that you've been here? You've got friends. You have several teachers who will do everything in their power to help you wherever they can. There are therapists on the island- one is starting group therapy sessions at the clinic for dealing with stress or anger, building social skills, managing healthy relationships, starting this coming Monday. I cannot stress enough… there is no shame in asking for help. It doesn't mean you're weak if you admit you can't do something alone, it means you're a person, just like the rest of us.//
He shifted his weight, shoving his hands into his pockets and shrugging his shoulders slightly.
//Hell, I'm planning on making an appearance at the group therapy sessions. Met the bloke running them yesterday, and he seemed to me like good people. And he told me that he's not opposed to people showing up for a few meetings to see if that sort of group therapy atmosphere is for them. Might be worth taking a look into, if any of the topics the group sessions are addressing are things you've been struggling with yourself.// A beat. //It's all up to you, of course. But I mean… If there's anything you feel you want or need help with, even if it's just an attentive ear to listen or a head nodding in agreement or sympathy… you've got all of those things. Sometimes, you need to ask for it, though around here? Sometimes it's there whether you request it or not.//
That really summed up most of Jono's friends, actually.
//Today, one last time, we're going to sit and talk as a group, share anything that might be eating at us, ask for help if you need it, offer it if someone asks for something and you can assist. Talk about worries, talk about places you've grown since the semester began or places you could stand to grow. Talk to me about anything I might've done right, or anything you wish I had covered and maybe we can touch on it today. Talk to us about anything, or, if you'd rather not, don't talk to us at all. Nobody here is obligated to share if they're uncomfortable, no different than the rest of the semester. And, before we get started, I just want to say... you've all been a fantastic class. Thank you.//
[Open!]
And something that even Jono could probably use some work on, yes.
//You aren't alone.// He paused for a moment, gave that statement some time to sink in. //I'll say that again, because it bears repeating. You. Are not. Alone. Whatever you're going through, whatever change stands to steal your breath away or leave you dead in your tracks, there are people you can talk to, people who can help you to adjust to that change, or to make the end result as painless, even as beneficial as possible. You're all students of Fandom High, and regardless of what you came from, now that you've been here? You've got friends. You have several teachers who will do everything in their power to help you wherever they can. There are therapists on the island- one is starting group therapy sessions at the clinic for dealing with stress or anger, building social skills, managing healthy relationships, starting this coming Monday. I cannot stress enough… there is no shame in asking for help. It doesn't mean you're weak if you admit you can't do something alone, it means you're a person, just like the rest of us.//
He shifted his weight, shoving his hands into his pockets and shrugging his shoulders slightly.
//Hell, I'm planning on making an appearance at the group therapy sessions. Met the bloke running them yesterday, and he seemed to me like good people. And he told me that he's not opposed to people showing up for a few meetings to see if that sort of group therapy atmosphere is for them. Might be worth taking a look into, if any of the topics the group sessions are addressing are things you've been struggling with yourself.// A beat. //It's all up to you, of course. But I mean… If there's anything you feel you want or need help with, even if it's just an attentive ear to listen or a head nodding in agreement or sympathy… you've got all of those things. Sometimes, you need to ask for it, though around here? Sometimes it's there whether you request it or not.//
That really summed up most of Jono's friends, actually.
//Today, one last time, we're going to sit and talk as a group, share anything that might be eating at us, ask for help if you need it, offer it if someone asks for something and you can assist. Talk about worries, talk about places you've grown since the semester began or places you could stand to grow. Talk to me about anything I might've done right, or anything you wish I had covered and maybe we can touch on it today. Talk to us about anything, or, if you'd rather not, don't talk to us at all. Nobody here is obligated to share if they're uncomfortable, no different than the rest of the semester. And, before we get started, I just want to say... you've all been a fantastic class. Thank you.//
[Open!]