One of my students died this past weekend...

[gemini2281]

Until recently I was a Drug Prevention Coordinator that worked in all of the public schools in my county. I taught a program called Positive Action that focused on making positive decisions. The main focus of the grant we worked under was the reduction of underage drinking.

I just opened the weekly paper and saw that a student of mine was killed in an auto accident over the weekend. The wreck occured early on Saturday morning. He was 17.

This saddens me on many levels. A child's life has ended way too soon. I cannot imagine the pain his family is feeling right now.

I would never make the assumption that alcohol was involved. There is no way to know that at this point. But it makes me wonder... Was the work that I did in these schools effective? It makes me question everything. Did I make any difference at all? Was there something I could have done differently that would have had more of an impact?

I just feel numb right now. I am sitting here watching my daughter play in the floor and my heart breaks for the family of my student. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts.

 

[BradSmith]

I'm sorry to hear this. Just keep up the good work. You will help some people and I'm sure you have already helped many.

 

[bassthumper]

That pain you're feeling I can relate to. It's the cost we pay for having such a big heart.

 

[Safira]

I'm sorry, of course I will keep this family in my thoughts. Like you said wait for all the details to come out. Maybe you can use this to help others too. The problem with your job is you will never really know how many you have effected in a positive way. But please know you really are making a diffeence.

 

[gemini2281]

I'm sorry, of course I will keep this family in my thoughts. Like you said wait for all the details to come out. Maybe you can use this to help others too. The problem with your job is you will never really know how many you have effected in a positive way. But please know you really are making a diffeence.

You are exactly right. With Prevention, you never see the results of your work. You hope you have made a difference but you never really know. You can look at the data years later to see the usage trends, etc. but that really isn't a true indication of effectiveness.

 

[bassthumper]

You are exactly right. With Prevention, you never see the results of your work. You hope you have made a difference but you never really know. You can look at the data years later to see the usage trends, etc. but that really isn't a true indication of effectiveness.

Just remember all the trying, caring, and actions in the world aren't even enough to change God's will. Just keep doing what you are and you WILL make a difference. Have faith.

 

[gemini2281]

Thanks for the encouraging words, everyone. I really do appreciate it.

 

[classwife]

17, so sad. Kudos for what you do. If we can touch just one person.....

 

[SuZamme]

As teachers, we can only do our best to give our students the information to make their own decisions and hope that their choices enrich their lives and those around them.

So sorry you have lost one of yours and are doubting yourself in the process. Think of all the teachers you have had in your life...did you notice how your life has been influenced? I bet so. It is the same with your students.

Perhaps this student will end up giving you a story to add to your teaching as well as a way for you to keep his sweet memory alive.