As students grow closer to applying to colleges, they begin to feel anxious, scared, or stressed because of the unknown future. This can be overwhelming. Champions For Learning wants to remind every student that we are always here for them.
To help our students, Champions For Learning hosted a stress management lab teaching students how to manage and cope with their emotions.
“This year is my junior year and I will be taking a lot of different classes. I know these classes will give a lot of homework which can cause me a lot of stress. In the past, I haven’t managed my stress as well as I could have, that’s why I attended today because I felt that this event could teach me”, shared Andrea.
The purpose of this event was to teach our students how to manage stress and learn how to adjust to new challenges that may seem overwhelming. By educating students on mindfulness and coping, Champions For Learning offered a unique opportunity for students, especially to those who do not know what resources to turn to.
“I chose to come to lab today because stress can affect how we feel every day. Sometimes when my stress overfills, I will do something without thinking and get overwhelmed, so it’s important for me to learn how to manage it.” Shared Evansley
Students find their senior year of high school to be the most stressful. By hosting this event Champions For Learning gets feedback from students on how they are doing, allowing us to understand their feelings, granting us insight in how to better serve them. Champions For Learning staff find it important to host these events to provide for the wellbeing of our students.
“Every year is a year closer to college. It will be a lot more stressful during college, so I wanted to come today to learn how to manage stress”, shared Briana.
“One day I want to be a doctor and its important I learn how to manage my stress now. I’m happy that Champions offers this lab because we don’t receive help like this at school”, shared Evansley.
Whether students are in sports, have a large workload, or have responsibilities at home, Champions For Learning knows that life can be challenging. Champions for Learning hosts these events to remind students that we are always here to support them.
“I decided to attend today because I feel that it is important to learn how to adjust to a college-based schedule and in the end, I feel that this is going to help me learn to manage myself and my workload”, Zaden shared.
In high school, many students suffer from mental health conditions most commonly stress and anxiety. The best way to help others dealing with mental health issues is to allow them to recognize the signs and problems, then to offer information, support, and guidance to help them overcome.
We take opportunities like this to share with students how to manage their feelings and encourage them to share their thoughts. This allows us to better understand our students and collectively we learn how we can grow together.
Champions For Learning staff that hosted this lab have a history in counseling students, making them more than qualified to introduce these concepts.
Dani Henderson, (Programs Relationship Manager) had previously served as a Program Coordinator for middle and high school students, providing case management studies discussing life and social skills, as well as leading peer mentoring.
Kristin Carolan, (Director of Student Success) previously had been the program director at NTRC serving for over a decade as a therapist with adults, children, and families in need of mental health services. She graduated with her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and has provided therapeutic services to CCPS & Youth Haven.
Jim Gambino, (Counselor for Student success) assists students with a variety of student personnel services. He has a master’s degree in counseling and a masters in school leadership. He has held positions in teaching, personal counseling, and administration. He directly supports seniors in planning their future through financial planning, personal statements, and career exploration.
To help engage in Champions For Learning opportunities or to assist in student experiences, view ways to give on our website.
Lindsay Lydon is a graduate of Champions For Learning’s Take Stock in Children mentoring and scholarship program. She is currently a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University studying marketing and advertising and is working part-time with Champions For Learning.