During the month of September, it is essential for us all to be aware that it is also the month that brings awareness to suicide. Although this topic should be something we are aware of 24/7, still today many people seem to be not as educated on this important topic as they should be. In 2020 1.20 million people were estimated to have attempted suicide and 45,979 Americans did die from suicide. Another really sad fact is in the US suicide is the 12th leading cause of death. 

Personally, knowledge of this topic is super important to me. In 2014 my family lost my uncle to depression. My dad and his brother were very close and would always skateboard together. After my uncle’s passing my dad came up with an event called Grind For Rich. Since 2014 he has had two events where skateboarders and his friends come together to keep my uncles name in memory and help others who are struggling. The idea is you fight depression with each grind. My dad also makes really cool t-shirts and stickers with either two cool graphics or a picture of my uncle. My dad is definitely why I am so passionate about this topic after seeing him be a very strong advocate for his friends, family, and others.

I also thought it would be great to also interview Mrs. Sullivan. I got the chance to email her some questions, and here are the answers she and the other counselors gave me. 

What are some resources you offer here to help students on our campus? 

We have 9 counselors plus Daisy on campus. We are here to support students along with all the adults on campus. Our hope is that every student feels connected to at least one caring adult on this campus and can go to that person if they need to! We have placed a poster in every classroom where students can scan a QR code to easily make an appointment with their counselor. 

Our counselors are here to help and support students with academic and social/emotional situations and we are often one of the best resources to get information about academic and social/emotional situations. Much of our resources can be found on the counseling website as well as in our newsletter. Our collective experience working with students gives us many resources to share to support student success, just ask!

How would you say our resources help make a positive impact on students here and their home life? 

Research shows that students talk to adults at the school site more than even to their own parents. If we can get every student connected with a caring adult on campus then we know that every student has at least one person to support them and to guide them through the challenging emotional times of high school.

The resources we offer (counselors, online resources, advice and direction) have the greatest positive impact on students and parents when the advice we give and directions that we share are followed and action is taken. Even if the result is not optimal, it gives you a chance to try something else. It is tough when you feel stuck, but sometimes the best medicine is to attempt to move forward. 

How would you say Daisy helps students at Santiago High School?

Students and staff smile when they see Daisy. They say that just seeing her makes the day better. Many students say that Daisy calms them down! Daisy enjoys getting involved with spirit days and attending spirit events and games to show support. Parents comment that their student talks about Daisy and that they love to see Daisy at school.

Is there anything you’d want to say to students who are struggling right now and might possibly be reading this? 

Today may be difficult, but tomorrow will be better. As Santiago Counselors, we are all here to support you. Please come and talk to us!!!

Life is precious!

A bad moment does not define the rest of your day. Turn it around and have a great positive rest of your day.

You always have a choice.

Counseling doors are always open. We are here for you!

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”- Christian Larson

Your life has meaning. What you do has meaning. Your actions are meaningful and inspiring.

Your school, your community, and your life is filled with people that want to help you. The first step is to ask for help and sometimes that is the biggest challenge. Our culture places an emphasis on the individual solving his/her own problems, but there are some problems that are too big for you to solve on your own. The sooner you seek support, the sooner the healing can begin in your life.