I was recently asked to visit Runcorn State Heights State School to speak to a group of year six students. I must admit, I was a little nervous as the group was larger than I expected. I tried to do my best to make the presentation interactive and fun. I left feeling good about my presentation, but not sure of how well it was received or if it helped the children in any way. The following week I received an envelope with letters from the students thanking me for my presentation. What was encouraging was to hear the children express in their letters how they had taken on board the information. I think the letter below best captures what many of the kids wrote:
“Dear James,
Thank you for having time to speak with us. I really appreciate you coming to tell us not to get stuck in one miserable situation but to move forward. Six years ago my parents divorced and six years I have tried to get happy like my usual self and every time I tried I failed. You’ve helped me get over this. Thank you. I know I won’t be able to be like before but I would be able to become stronger if something wrong happens and I BOUNCE back (resilience). I really enjoyed the story about [Shawn] not being able to see because he found ways to do what he wants, meaning if he can recover to be himself, I can too!
Sincerely,
NAME REMOVED ”
Sometimes when we are working with kids we think that they are not taking the messages in. I think we are often very wrong. They are smarter than a lot of us adults!
