The Breaking Point

Last night, November 20, I attended an event called “The Breaking Point”. It was put on by RHA and discussed stress, depression, and anxiety on college campuses. There was a panel of students, as well as representatives from MSU’s Counseling Center. A video was also played, where students on campus were interviewed about what stresses them out the most about being in college. There was a heavy focus on diversity and fitting in, and the struggles people can go through when they come to college. Some students on the panel talked about feeling alienated because they felt that there was not a place for their culture or lifestyle here at MSU. The representative from the counseling center also talked about how many LGBTQ students are often struggling. Even though the event was focused at students in college, I could definitely relate many of the concepts to the elementary classroom. Elementary students may have many of the same problems that college students have, but they may not be able to vocalize and articulate them as well. I feel like children can be just as stressed as adults, but people often do not recognize their mature feelings and can downplay their issues.

I thought this was a beneficial event for me for a few reasons. I learned that there are counseling services here at MSU, and that there are so many groups of people struggling to find their identity here on this huge campus. Many of the students on the panel talked about having someone to talk to about their difficulties fitting in. I think that part of my role as a teacher in the future is to be a listening ear to students who are having problems, no matter the nature. I got some useful ideas about how to make all diverse students feel welcome and comfort students who feel that there is not a place for them in their community. Again, attending this event reminded me that as a teacher I must challenge myself to include all students in my lessons and classroom community, and value differences and diversity.