Supporting Students' Emotional Journeys: A Path to Thriving

A Heartbreaking Encounter

Sitting in a bustling Starbucks, my attention is captivated by a Facebook post. The image of a vibrant young man, radiating happiness in his Northern football uniform, catches my eye. He was a Northern Secondary graduate, on the brink of his third year at the University of Guelph, and an integral part of the Guelph Varsity Rugby team. However, the shocking revelation in the post sends shivers down my spine—he had taken his own life at the tender age of 19.

Connecting in Shared Loss

I read about this young man's tragic fate, and memories flood my mind, transporting me back to that fateful night in April 2015. The devastating moment when a police officer confirmed the unthinkable: my beloved daughter, Maddie, was gone. The sheer weight of grief overwhelms me, and tears stream down my face in silent agony. Although unfamiliar with the young man and his family, a profound sense of empathy grips my heart, imagining their parents' unbearable pain. The indescribable anguish of losing a child leaves an indelible mark on my soul, forever haunting me.

Youth Suicide: A Heartbreaking Reality

Regrettably, such tragedies have become all too familiar to our children. Many young lives have been lost to suicide; for some, it's not their first encounter with such sorrow. The haunting question remains: What tormented thoughts led them to make that irreversible decision in their final moments? My encounter with this heart-wrenching story ignites a deep reverence for helping young individuals comprehend and navigate their emotions effectively.

The Urgency of Emotional Education

I passionately believe that we must empower children to identify, understand, and process their emotions, equipping them with the necessary tools to face life's challenges. In light of their own experiences and reflections, they highlight the transformative impact of their How Are You Feeling program. This initiative focuses on educating children about emotions and providing them with the skills to manage their emotional well-being even before encountering intense emotions. Remarkably, 98% of participants recognize the importance of emotional health in education, yet a staggering 94% feel that the current curriculum fails to address it adequately. Underscoring the significance of their program, 96% of participants gain newfound confidence in navigating emotional or traumatic events successfully.

A Collective Effort for Change

As highlighted by Gary Vaynerchuk's thought-provoking post, I yearn for a world where positivity and happiness prevail over negativity and despair. I deeply desire to prevent the tragic loss of innocent lives, understanding that eradicating all teenage suicides may be an unattainable goal. Nonetheless, we remain steadfast in our commitment to improving the present reality and reducing the prevalence of such devastating incidents.

Emotional Well-being as a Back-to-School Priority

As summer draws to a close and the new school year approaches, many emotions envelop students. While some eagerly anticipate reuniting with friends and returning to a familiar routine, others harbour apprehension and dread. The pressures of academic performance, social interactions, and extracurricular activities can easily overwhelm young minds, exacerbating anxiety and stress. We emphasize that emotional health should be regarded as equally important as academic success. When students learn to manage their emotions effectively, they are likelier to flourish in all aspects of their lives.

Continuing the Journey: How Are You Feeling Program

Encouraged by the success of our summer Student Research Study, we announce our decision to extend the program, offering it to students throughout the year.

Students can enhance their understanding of emotional well-being by prioritizing emotional education while earning volunteer hours. We take pride in the positive feedback received from program graduates, affirming its impact on their lives.

A Shared Compassion and Hope

As I conclude my heartfelt reflection, my thoughts and condolences go out to the family of the young soul lost too soon. Though connected by the most painful of bonds, I acknowledge the pain resurfacing within me. However, their ultimate aspiration is that our How Are You Feeling program could have reached this young man, possibly altering his path. We hope to prevent future tragedies by fostering emotional resilience and well-being among the youth. In unity, we long for a world where happiness, emotional health, and compassion prevail, shining a light amidst the darkness of sorrow and loss.