Journalism Writing prompt- Semester Exam Pt.1 :)
Tamara Payne
4th Period
12/10/12
Many of us, for one reason or another, try to hide our problems and weaknesses. We have a face to put on at the start of every new day- to hide what’s going on inside. The reason why, is beyond me. Though I’ve been guilty of doing the same. Are we trying to seem better than others? Are we afraid to be judged? Do we stress over fitting in to the point of “changing” who we are?... all are probably true.
These are some questions asked by Ms. Merritt, a History teacher at Sauganash Highschool. She had struggles in her teen years that she was afraid to “come-clean” about and move past. Now that she has, she strives to help those who haven’t reached that point. She does this by helping to sponsor a Student Support Group, called just that. This group is there to help those who struggle with eating disorders; Bulimia and anorexia, to name a few. She says;
“The sad thing about this problem [eating disorder] is that it’s kept such a secret. It’s possible that this club could have more than 100 members. I had an eating disorder when I was in high school, and I have had several students come up to me with the same issue. I want to help them be free from the disease, and I hope this support group will help.”
The Student Support group, sponsored by Ms. Merritt at Sauganash High School meets every Friday, during lunch. The president, a senior at Sauganash High- Shari McFarland, Vice president, Kim Hendrix a junior, secretary-treasurer is Jason Krauss, a sophomore.
Many who are in attendance struggle with these issues themselves. Others; however, come to learn how they can help their friends who they know struggle with the issue and are afraid to come for one reason or another. A newer member, Mary Allen says;
“My best friend hardly ever eats. I try to get her to.. But it just seems to push her away. I don’t want to do that- I want to help. But I don’t know how. I come to these meetings to learn more. And it’s nice to meet others who are struggling.. I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t come and see them here. I can know how to help them now, or at least to be more sensitive. It’s a good group for sure. I feel like I’m better prepared to help my friend.”
The group is very involved in the student body. After several fund-raisers lead by Ms. Merritt and those who are in offices of the group- they had enough money to buy bracelets to hand out to students in the hallways. They read; “I’m beautiful.” Many of the girls even post sticky notes with compliments on mirrors and lockers- to boost self-esteem.
“We’re like little elves.. you know, the ones that helped the shoe-maker while he was sleeping? I loved that story. It’s nice to feel like I’m doing something like that for someone else. I started coming because I got one of the sticky notes on my locker. It said “only you can be you, only I can be me- so be the best you can be.” I had heard that before.. But it was so perfect and I liked it being on my locker. I kept it there- so people would ask me about it. It was like advertisement for a group that I now know I’d be lost without. Random acts of kindness pass it on.” Says Hendrix, now the vice president of the club.
“The whole point of being involved in the student body is to show we care.” Says a member, Sophie Stocks. “To bring people in and let them know that we’re here. That there’s no need to be embarrassed or hide from anyone. It’s all good!”
Speaking of bringing others in, the group has a current membership of 22 people. As Merritt said; “It’s possible that this club could have more than 100 members.” President McFarland adds;
“I know we could have more people. But I’m still glad that we have those we do. I wouldn’t trade this group for anything. 22 is far from 100. But this stuff takes time. We just keep loving on those who are here.. Maybe they will tell their friends.”
And hopefully that’s the case. They may take awhile to reach 100 members, but they’re off to a great start. And as McFarland says “this stuff takes time.”
The Student Support Group will continue to meet in Ms. Merritt’s history room, during lunch on Fridays- and encourages all who would like to come, for their benefit or a friends to join in.
It’s guaranteed you’ll feel safe- and never judged. You’re all struggling with the same things- freedom comes through being honest with yourself – and accepting help. Don’t hide anymore. Don’t spend one more day wishing things would change. Make it happen.
4th Period
12/10/12
Many of us, for one reason or another, try to hide our problems and weaknesses. We have a face to put on at the start of every new day- to hide what’s going on inside. The reason why, is beyond me. Though I’ve been guilty of doing the same. Are we trying to seem better than others? Are we afraid to be judged? Do we stress over fitting in to the point of “changing” who we are?... all are probably true.
These are some questions asked by Ms. Merritt, a History teacher at Sauganash Highschool. She had struggles in her teen years that she was afraid to “come-clean” about and move past. Now that she has, she strives to help those who haven’t reached that point. She does this by helping to sponsor a Student Support Group, called just that. This group is there to help those who struggle with eating disorders; Bulimia and anorexia, to name a few. She says;
“The sad thing about this problem [eating disorder] is that it’s kept such a secret. It’s possible that this club could have more than 100 members. I had an eating disorder when I was in high school, and I have had several students come up to me with the same issue. I want to help them be free from the disease, and I hope this support group will help.”
The Student Support group, sponsored by Ms. Merritt at Sauganash High School meets every Friday, during lunch. The president, a senior at Sauganash High- Shari McFarland, Vice president, Kim Hendrix a junior, secretary-treasurer is Jason Krauss, a sophomore.
Many who are in attendance struggle with these issues themselves. Others; however, come to learn how they can help their friends who they know struggle with the issue and are afraid to come for one reason or another. A newer member, Mary Allen says;
“My best friend hardly ever eats. I try to get her to.. But it just seems to push her away. I don’t want to do that- I want to help. But I don’t know how. I come to these meetings to learn more. And it’s nice to meet others who are struggling.. I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t come and see them here. I can know how to help them now, or at least to be more sensitive. It’s a good group for sure. I feel like I’m better prepared to help my friend.”
The group is very involved in the student body. After several fund-raisers lead by Ms. Merritt and those who are in offices of the group- they had enough money to buy bracelets to hand out to students in the hallways. They read; “I’m beautiful.” Many of the girls even post sticky notes with compliments on mirrors and lockers- to boost self-esteem.
“We’re like little elves.. you know, the ones that helped the shoe-maker while he was sleeping? I loved that story. It’s nice to feel like I’m doing something like that for someone else. I started coming because I got one of the sticky notes on my locker. It said “only you can be you, only I can be me- so be the best you can be.” I had heard that before.. But it was so perfect and I liked it being on my locker. I kept it there- so people would ask me about it. It was like advertisement for a group that I now know I’d be lost without. Random acts of kindness pass it on.” Says Hendrix, now the vice president of the club.
“The whole point of being involved in the student body is to show we care.” Says a member, Sophie Stocks. “To bring people in and let them know that we’re here. That there’s no need to be embarrassed or hide from anyone. It’s all good!”
Speaking of bringing others in, the group has a current membership of 22 people. As Merritt said; “It’s possible that this club could have more than 100 members.” President McFarland adds;
“I know we could have more people. But I’m still glad that we have those we do. I wouldn’t trade this group for anything. 22 is far from 100. But this stuff takes time. We just keep loving on those who are here.. Maybe they will tell their friends.”
And hopefully that’s the case. They may take awhile to reach 100 members, but they’re off to a great start. And as McFarland says “this stuff takes time.”
The Student Support Group will continue to meet in Ms. Merritt’s history room, during lunch on Fridays- and encourages all who would like to come, for their benefit or a friends to join in.
It’s guaranteed you’ll feel safe- and never judged. You’re all struggling with the same things- freedom comes through being honest with yourself – and accepting help. Don’t hide anymore. Don’t spend one more day wishing things would change. Make it happen.
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