“If nobody shares they are struggling, nobody will know anybody else is struggling. That results in a bunch of people feeling isolated and scared and like big fat losers.” Tara Hunt, CEO of Buyosphere.com, blogger at HorsePigCow.com

Tree and person alone

It is easy to become isolated. It is super easy to become isolated when you are a 15-year old student trying to figure out life. I remember being fifteen. I remember great days and I remember days where life was just crummy from my perspective. I also remember when I heard someone older than me say, “It’s silly that people call high school the best years of your life. No way! It gets a lot better.” I remember feeling relieved.

Tara Hunt’s quote caught my attention in Inc. magazine because it reminded me how easily we, and our students, can feel isolated. Others’ lives look so perfect from the outside; if only we realized that we all struggle at times. If you are up for a character-developing challenge for your class, try this one:

  • Share the quote from Tara Hunt (Click here for a PDF)
  • Ask students to share what this quote means to them
  • Give students a small slip of paper, and ask them to anonymously write something they struggle with.
  • Have students fold their paper in half and place in a large, clear container (pickle jar, vase, even a large plastic bag)
  • Place in a conspicuous location and remind students when the opportunity arises, that people around us struggle too. We are not alone, and we can help!
  • After a few weeks, start a new jar entitled  “Things I have Overcome”. Repeat the process and celebrate growth.