Here’s a view from today’s office.
This afternoon I had the chance to share my personal story of addiction and recovery with 300 students at a high school in Mesa. That microphone you see cut out while the school’s social worker was introducing me, so I decided to forego amplification and use my gift of natural loudness. I was able to project well enough that even those in the back seat of the theater said they had no problem hearing me.
We talked about substance use, social media, the pressure to try to live up to others’ expectations, the ability of seemingly small choices to have a major impact, stress, healthy coping skills, and how important it is to communicate with those you love. I emphasized to every one of them that they have value, that there are people who care about them, and that they are not alone.
When I was done, I sat on the front of the stage as I normally do after my speaking engagements. A handful of students came up, some in groups but most individually. Talking with students after my presentations is absolutely one of my favorite parts of the work I do.
Some just wanted to say thanks, shake my hand, or give me a high five. I was once again offered a hug (which we’re not allowed to accept, so we compromised on a fist bump). I was told, “When I saw the topic on the first slide I thought, ‘This is going to be so cheesy.’ But it was actually pretty cool. Thanks.”
One sophomore shared with me that a lot of things in my story were very familiar to him. He revealed that his biological father had died by suicide when he (the student) was two years old, that his stepfather had attempted suicide as well, and that at one point his parents used to get into cocaine-fueled fights in front of him. He mentioned that his parents finally achieved sobriety and that things are better. He finished with, “You have courage to get up there and talk about that.”
The last student I talked with revealed to me that a couple years ago he was drinking and using drugs on a daily basis but had quit about a year ago. I told him I really respect the amount of wisdom and self-awareness it took for him to make the choice to take a different path, adding that I wish I had done the same at his age. He then replied with, “The reason I wanted to talk to you is because hearing what you said today reminded me that I am making the right choice by not doing that stuff. Sometimes I wonder. A lot of my friends do it and sometimes I wonder if it’s weird that I don’t. Your story made me not feel weird. I’m really glad I was here for it today.”
It’s good to be back speaking to students. As much as I love facilitating early intervention groups and presenting to adults, there is no energy that can equal a student audience. I missed it.