Silent Suffering: My Journey Through Abuse and Isolation
Every year I start with a brand new class. I always wonder what they have experiencedbefore they walked into my classroom. Some have been hurt emotionally, some physically, andsome have never experienced domestic violence in their lives. It’s such a mixed bag, but one ofthe jobs of a teacher is to support their students and […]
Teen Dating Violence: Is Generation Z the Game Changer?
We live in a very technologically advanced world, meaning less physical and verbal connections, andmore remote forms of communication. The generations nowadays don’t have the same experiences wehad as pre-teens and teenagers. I can remember getting a note passed to me in 6th grade, from myfriends, while changing classes that read, “Do you want to […]
Letter to my 19-year-old self
Dear 19-year-old me: This is 38-year-old me. I have come from the future and I have some things to share with you. You are beautiful, smart, kind, sweet, and joyful. I know you walk to work now, but one day you will drive a new car. You are going to be the mother of two […]
Consent
As Valentine’s Day passes, we often think about couples holding hands, kissing, and going on dates. There is one key component that must not be forgotten: consent. Without consent, these seemingly cute ideas can take a quick, dark turn. Learning to speak up for yourself as an adult when you haven’t throughout your whole life […]
Self-Love is the First Love
When we reminisce about first love, it’s often about teenage crushes or special moments with someone else. But today, I challenge you to fall in love with someone even more important—you. Self-love isn’t just important; it’s essential. After all, you’re the one person you’ll always have by your side, whether you’re in a relationship or […]
Healthy VS Unhealthy Teen Relationships
When it comes to teen relationships, it’s vital to guide our children towards healthy dynamics. As a parent with a 13-year-old son in a healthy relationship, I understand the significance of setting positive examples. However, not all teens are fortunate enough to witness healthy relationships at home. Exposure to parental abuse can perpetuate a cycle […]