“I prefer studying alone,” the high schooler told me. “Why,” I asked. He responded, “Because I don’t have any friends.” My heart sank

In moments involving such a “heavy statement of truth,” I know it’s best to seek support from a school mental health professional. The student is Hispanic and is in the minority in our school, which is over 90% African American. He comes from a family of immigrants; his parents feel that education is less important than helping his family at home. He has a tendency to stop and count his steps, trying to activate what appears to be breathing techniques when he gets upset and frustrated. I want to help him but I’m not trained to truly get to the root of problems that can affect his mental health.

Cheryl Tomlinson is a pre-AP English 2 and AP Language and Com

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