At my position in Glendora, CA I taught Health Science, Earth Science, and Biology.  Quite frequently I would have many of the same students for Health that I had in one of the science classes.  That was my favorite aspect of being both a Health and Science Teacher.  I was blessed with a chance to really build trust with my students on a frequent basis.  Of course, the Health Science topics did help quite a bit.

As a result of my relationships with the students, I was the go-to gal for many hurting students.  In the last year I was there, I had a student open up and admit to me that he had violent thoughts of hurting others.  He was able to seek treatment.  His father was so thankful I “found” his son.  I had a number of domestic issues that would arise.  Students whose parents were neglectful, or even physically abusive.  I was privy to this invitation and would use my crisis intervention skills (and strong background in Psychology) to talk them down, and then walk them over to counseling.

When I moved to Menifee and began working at Heritage High I was a little sad because I would miss teaching Health.  I truly did not believe the students would believe in me and trust me like at Glendora, CA.

I was wrong.  I teach Biology and Anatomy & Physiology, but somehow most of the students still trust me.  Perhaps, it is my openness and honesty.  The stress these students are under seems insurmountable to them.  Within the last few months I have had a number of students come to me broken down in tears.  I have also received a thinly veiled suicide email, which allowed me to get help for that student, immediately.   There are also countless others who have opened up to me about their anxiety, fears, depression, and stress.  Before school and during first lunch, I have a number of students who come into my classroom.  They are typically very quiet, very respectful, and even put their trash outside in the big trash receptacles because I prefer no food substances left in class.  These students have a found a safe place, a peaceful place, to enjoy their lunch without being judged, manipulated, or even having to deal with peer pressure.  They can just enjoy feeling safe for a short time.

My husband often asks me if I tell other teachers, or the administration of these many incidents.  He wants me to somehow benefit from these acts of compassion.  I have to remind him again and again (he can be quite stubborn), that these students are the benefit.  I do not need glory and applause.  I helped someone in need, and that is the best blessing of all.