Counselor’s Corner - Issue 43

Knock Knock, friends!

They nailed it.  The 2-minute clip accurately depicts the student journey during Covid times.  When three Southern Adventist University students developed their short animated film “Knock Knock,” they told the story of two masked elementary students who communicate by knocking on the plexiglass that divides them and writing sticky notes to each other.  With their film winning “Best Animated Short,” “Best in Festival,” and “Audience Choice Award” at the 2021 Sonscreen Film Festival, collegiates Mugi Kinoshita, Avery Kroll, and Ruth Perezock have well-represented the student experience that you watch play out in your classrooms every day.  The kids are not alright (Check out the "What's New" column features strategies to support student mental health during Covid).

And neither are you.  The film serves as a reminder of your experience that plays out in your individual classrooms daily. Those plexiglass dividers represent the "fish bowl" environment of your on-the-clock-all-the-time profession.  I sensed the peer-through-but-don't-connect feeling you must have on a regular basis.  I felt the obligatory forced smile that you may force to fool those around you into believing you're okay.  But just like the little girl swiping tears, you are not alright.  And just like the intuitive little boy behind his mask, I see you.  I see that you're struggling but plugging along.  I see the feelings welling up with no where to go.  I see you.

So use your resources and tap your support system.  Maintain a positive outlook even in tough times using these six secrets.  Show up for yourself like you show up for others.  And reach out to me.  That's what I'm here for.

Knock-knock, teacher.  Are you there?  I am.
Mindy