Emotions Have Value

Have you ever felt the need for someone to understand or at least acknowledge your emotions?

Our Six Pillars of character at Girls and Boys of Character is so foundational in helping to prepare our youth with life skills to acknowledge, address and properly handle their emotions.

With the new school year approaching we asked the students to share a time when one of their teachers displayed a pillar of character and how it affected their emotions.

In addition to this question, they were asked to share some of their goals for the new school year.

We were intentional in asking both questions.

Intention number one- We wanted the youth to view their teachers as more than teachers.  We wanted them to see their personal investment in their learning experiences.

Intention number two- We wanted the youth to actively think about how much investment they should put in themselves and how that investment will bring about change.

Intention number three- We wanted the youth to change their perspective about learning and education.

The level of participation was heightened as each one shared their experiences, one experience prompting them to share their personal insights and frustrations.  Which further opened the discussion that helped them create life skills that will help them be more successful in learning environments.

One youth shared how one teacher added more homework to him personally.  This was a funny moment because for this student, I intentionally give him additional assignments. (I’m not sure if he was hinting around that he was talking about me, but we all got a good laugh out if.)

It did, however, allow us to discuss the possible reasons for doing so.  And the feedback came directly from his peers.

They made verbal commitments to applying life skills not only during their time at school but while in the program and at home.

Girl and Boys of Character provides a safe place for them to discuss topics without ridicule or judgement.  It’s a free space.  However, we do request that they do it respectfully.

This session also opened the opportunity to discuss the pillar of responsibility. 

Our next blog will focus on the topic.  Be sure to subscribe to our blog.

Picture credit: Drew Beamer @unsplash.com 

Picture credit: Girls and Boys of Character