Challenges

I found it difficult to read some of the sections of this chapter. Some of the stories were extremely heartbreaking and upsetting, but what is most upsetting is that the stories are based on truth. One problem I had when I read this chapter is that we were always told to not be friends with our students, but I noticed that a lot of the teachers were playing the friend role in some of the stories. So, is it okay to give a student a hug when they are having a rough time? With all of the crazy business of sexual harassment between students and teachers in the new I feel like even hugging a student is risky business. I do agree that sending a student to counseling or something can be offensive to a student and actually might either make their issue(s) worse or simply not help at all.

When I was in high school, a teacher (I never did find out who) "recommended" me for this club that met once a week in the guidance office to talk about their problems. The point of the group was to allow students to all talk about their problems and help one each other (with the supervision of a professional). I felt a little insulted that a teacher went over me and told some stranger that I seemed like a "troubled" teenager and could use some help. I didn't feel like I needed help and also though that maybe there were other students who either wanted the help or did really need it who were not "recommended." Honestly, I think that the only reason the teacher tried to get me involved with this group because of the way I dressed and the fact that I was new to the high school. There were plenty of students who dressed nicely and more like the norm who were horribly depressed and had a lot of personal issues. I, on the other hand, wasn't at risk. Financially my family and I had it a little rough for awhile, but I really didn't feel like talking to strangers about my problems. A teacher shouldn't make assumptions about a student based on their appearance.