You Are Seen

Every year, I watch as students wander down the halls laughing, talking, and joking with their peers. Just stopping in the halls and watching the action is like standing outside the bubble looking into another world. In my mind, this world is filled with insatiable desires, innocent curiosities, and unimaginable intellect. It is the euphoria of education. I look at the students whose faces are filled with fear and wonder. These are usually the freshmen or new transfer students. The year begins with an atmosphere full of excitement and a hope that lasts for a few weeks. Students then get into a routine, find their friend groups, and acclimate to teachers and schedules. It seems that everything is going well, at least, on the outside.

Sometimes these same faces are the ones that educators get to know personally because they cross our doorsills into the four walls of wonder. These are the same faces that will look tired, sleepy, spaced out, happy, excited, disillusioned, uncomfortable, lethargic, unassuming, angry, sad, and apathetic. It is where we start to see the unraveling of that happy facade that walks confidently down the halls and around the campus.

This is the semester when students are asked to write their “This I Believe” speeches. The speech is on any topic that they feel passionately about and want to share. Every year, the speeches get better, and they become more personal which shows students’ comfort in being vulnerable in front of their peers. Some of these speeches have resulted in much laughter, and some have brought the classes to tears. I often participate because I think it is important for educators to model what we ask students to do. I have recently been struck by the number of speeches that have talked about mental illness, the overwhelming anxiety, the lack of a place to go, the fear of not really being seen or heard, the fear of being labeled and ridiculed, and the fear of parents being called into a meeting. These speeches put mental health at the forefront and the need for more counseling and safe spaces for students.

It’s interesting that many students feel that through the eyes of some adults, young people are made to feel as though they don’t think; they are irrational; they are immature; and they have nothing to offer the world right now. Young people feel trapped and marginalized by their parents and other adults to remain young, innocent, and dependent upon them.

Learning to observe when students are hurting makes educators very cognizant and empathetic to handling a situation. Often students need to hear words of affirmation that tell them they matter, that they are important, that they are heard, that they are seen, and that they are loved.

To my young people, this, I believe. Every person has a voice. Every person has emotions. Every person has a gift and a purpose. Every person should be seen. Give no one the right to marginalize who you are, to diminish your accomplishments, or to cancel your feelings. You contribute to this world. Contributing is not always about being in the forefront. Some of the best contributions come from the quietness behind the shadows. Nothing you do is too great or too small. Believe that you are somebody special. Believe there is a gift that you have to make the world a better place. Never be afraid to seek help or be vulnerable. Always ask questions. Never think that you are the only one who feels, ponders, or grieves. Reach out to someone. Remember, you are not meant to do life alone. Believe in perseverance. Perseverance builds character. No matter what others may see or not see, believe that you are your best self. Do not buy into the skepticism that you are alone. When you think that no one is watching or listening, the Lord is. Proverbs 15:3-5 reads, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and good. God doesn’t miss a thing – he’s alert to good and evil alike. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.”

Know this, and never doubt, you are seen!

CrayDawg (c)2024