by Dr. Tracy Mallett, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, LMFT
Find a way to connect with someone else.
Dear Student Preparing to Return to School:
Congratulations on starting another year, and another step closer to your life goals!
You will bring a lot to the table with your new classmates.
If you’ve come from a family that is well-off financially, you’ve known security with material things.
If your household struggles with money, you’ve gained an understanding of overcoming hardships.
If your parents have shown you love and encouragement, then you know you have a safe spot to land when you are upset.
If your family is harsh, unfair or abusive, then you’ve learned resilience and self-reliance.
Regardless of your background and experience, you have a lot to give. I hope YOU believe that, because I certainly do. You can make a difference in someone else's day, week, year ... even their life.
I hope you consider the best way to invest your time, talents, and experiences while you are at school. Look around; I’ll bet you see at least one peer who is struggling. Maybe they are standing alone, unsure where to go. Perhaps they are sitting alone at lunch. You might see someone who is anxious regarding a difficult class or a challenge at home. There might be someone in tears over being teased, disregarded or overlooked. Or, you might see someone who just doesn’t look like they fit in.
If you look around and pay attention, I know you will see these students who could really benefit by just a little bit of your time and energy.
Are you wondering how you could help? It doesn’t have to be very hard, or take up much of your time or effort. Here are some ideas:
Make eye contact and smile
Say hello
Ask if you can sit with them
Invite them into your group conversation
Compliment their clothes, hair, eyes, or accessories
Ask where they live
Listen without interrupting
Refrain from judgment
Be friendly
Look them in the eye
Try to read their emotions through their facial expression and body language
Invite them to your club or activity meeting
Ask their opinion about a teacher or class
Say something encouraging
You might be thinking, “How can I help someone else? I have enough problems of my own!” I know you have your own problems and challenges, and your own struggles and worries. But one of the best things about helping others is that it takes your focus off yourself. And when you aren’t so focused on yourself, you may find that you are worried less about your own concerns. And less worry brings more peace of mind. And more peace of mind brings more happiness. Do you see where I’m going with this? Making an effort to help others will probably help you even more.
You have something to offer. You can make a difference for someone else. Will you do it?
Have a great year!