Friday, October 19, 2018

One Day for Change

 Over the past several years, Crossroads has been participating in what we call "One Day for Change." This day is an intense bonding experience where students and staff open up, set judgement aside, and learn that we are in this fight together. So, can one day make a difference? That is the question that was up for debate at the beginning of the school year. Typically this day for change is done the first week of school, but staff thought that it should be pushed off until mid-year. This was quickly seen as a mistake as students began demanding that we need it.

The need became evident when over 30 students showed up to participate in Voices of Youth, a club started by Principal Bridgette McVay, when normally there are only around ten students in this club. These students felt that the school was becoming divided, bullying was increasing, and the family-feel was lagging. They knew the importance of this day and they begged for the school to participate in it before it was too late. As students met in the gym for the event, Bridgette voiced her gratuity for students speaking up, "Sometimes staff think we know what is best, but I was reminded today that I need to listen to our students."

The day started out with students lining the gym with chairs and playing games. There was laughter as they ran across the gym floor and squeezed into chairs. Some students even tumbling to the floor with a competitive but playful energy. A beach ball was bounced around and students squeezed into a circle next to others they didn't know were going to be their friends by the end of the day.

After a little bonding and playing, students then joined into "family" groups. These groups were led by either a student or teacher. Each group had around 6-7 people. As we got to know each other a little more, we took a break to eat lunch. The tough part was coming next.

When lunch was over, we returned to a corner of the gym where guest speaker Ms. Julie Stark and former student Chelsea shared their personal stories. Everyone listened respectfully as they shared powerful life stories of overcoming pain, heartache, and challenges unimaginable. These powerful women spoke to our group of students and showed us what pure strength looks like. Showed us that it is OK to be vulnerable. That all of us are flawed. We have our doubts. But we must press forward and strive to love those around us with the talents and skills we were given. Stark is now a teacher at Crossroads who leaves an impact on students and pushes them to do their best. Chelsea owns a yoga studio where she offers free classes to current Crossroads students and shares her story of how mindfulness and healthy choices changed her life around.

After hearing their stories, we were ready as students and staff to get back in our families and talk. Students opened up to those they had only seen walk past them in the hall. Students shared stories of depression, being bullied, homelessness, and lack of parental love. As each student finished their part of the story, they were met with kind hugs and words.

Now was for the part that truly brings us together as students. This is called "Crossing the Line." In this activity, a statement is read, and if it applies to you, you cross the line.

Statements like:

                         I feel lonely

          I have been bullied


                        I have been discriminated against for my religion


                                        I have lost a loved one to suicide


               I have spent the night not knowing where to sleep

                                            
                                                      I am been in an abusive relationship

                        I have experienced domestic violence


          I got to be a child


As many students crossed the line, they saw others cross with them; people who have experienced similar pain. Tears streamed down faces and arms were wrapped around each other. There was a stillness. Quietness in the air. One that brought us all together. It was more than peace and comfort though.  There was something about hearing your own foot steps walk across the gym floor to the sound of others walking with you. The sound that echoes, "You are not alone."

As we completed the day, students did shout outs to each other. Students thanked and apologized. Students voiced how grateful they were to be here. New student Cesar stood at the front of everyone and said what we were all thinking, "I was told to come to Crossroads because it is like a family, but it wasn't until today that I really knew what that felt like."

-Journalism Team




1 comment:

  1. Thanks so much for writing this thoughtful piece! I am truly honored to have spent the day with each and every person who participated!

    ReplyDelete

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