November 2015: Sharing My Story
In the Summer and Fall of 2015, I began a discussion with a contact I had made while living in ND about furthering the education about healthy relationships I had started in the rural schools. Desiree was a Pastor I had met through our involvement on a community board. We had worked together to bringing issues of social justice to light in rural communities, including domestic violence awareness.
Desiree contacted me and asked about the program I had piloted while I worked as a county social worker. As a rural worker, I had noticed that there was a dire need to educate our students and families about the characteristics of healthy, successful relationships, and how to foster and maintain those relationships. I did some research, and focused on finding a program I could teach in the schools. I attended training, talked with mentors, other professionals, parents, and students. I was able to find a curriculum that fit my message, and after speaking with members of the community to find out what other information might be important to include, I felt I had a solid program to share.
I met with the school board in one small town to talk about the possibility of bringing the program to their students. They were open. I had 10 class times with all students in grades 7-12. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked the students to help me with the program by evaluating me and letting me know what works, and where I needed to fill in some gaps. I considered the first year a great success. The next year I expanded to another school, and altered the program in the first school to give refresher courses to select grades, and the full curriculum to the new 7th graders. The students were so amazing, and they taught me more than I ever imagined. I again felt that the program went very well.
I shared with Desiree the work I had done in the schools, and some additional work I had done speaking at parenting fairs, helping out with a family nurturing class, and how I felt the outcomes were quite positive. She then asked if I might be willing to speak to students in different schools. I was ecstatic. "Of course. Absolutely. I would LOVE TO!" I responded.
There was one aspect of this request I had not anticipated: Desiree felt it would be most powerful for me to share my story. My personal story. This was something I had never done before. I knew ultimately that I had to do it at some point, and that I had always dreamed of speaking to others about issues that mattered, topics that I was passionate about. But the idea of sharing my personal experiences was terrifying. I agreed to it. And made a deal with myself to push myself to do this.
obsessed over my slides, the information I'd present, and what outfit to wear to make sure I didn't look "old," "unrelatable," or "out of touch." I also worked on a project I had never done before: I wrote my story.
It was a hard and sad and beautiful process.
Just before Thanksgiving 2015, Adam and I traveled to Northwestern ND. I had spent the days leading up to this rehearsing in front of friends, and reviewing and editing my slides and story. I was ready.
I spoke to students in two schools that day. I gave two presentations to more than 400 students. The experience was incredible, that students were simply the best. I was emotionally exhausted but so moved and encouraged about this work. Cheers to more opportunities!
