Week 2: Back in the Day...

Week 2: Back in the Day…

     This week was a challenging one for me in terms of reflecting and recalling specific memories and events that occurred during my early childhood years.  I honestly do not have very many clear memories of those times.  I was not able to visit my parents and go through pictures this week, but I hope to do that at some point over the next few months to spark some memories and really spend time diving into some of my early years of life. 

     I think most of my early and middle years of life would be described in a similar way.  I have always enjoyed school, enjoyed being challenged athletically and academically, felt loved and supported by my family, and generally just enjoyed life.  But...  some of the questions in this chapter have really challenged me to dig a bit deeper into the environment that existed within the home I grew up in and the communication among the members of my family. Questions like “How was anger expressed in my family (Cory, 2010, 51)?” and “Am I able to recognize my feelings, particularly if they are 'unacceptable' to others (Cory, 2010, 51)?” have challenged me to reflect on who I was and who I have become. From an early age, I desired peace and would do (or act) in such a manner to maintain peace, as best as possible.  I didn't realize it throughout my childhood and adolescent years, but it has become increasingly evident over the last few years that I learned early on how to suppress my 'unacceptable' feelings to avoid conflict.  As I develop and grow as an individual, I have paid attention to that part of me and made (and continue to make) a conscious effort to be more assertive with my feelings and communication with others.

            Recognizing these memories and environments in my own life is critical to helping others recognize them in their lives, especially children and adolescents.  I think understanding the potential impacts of certain environments and experiences that occur in early childhood is also very helpful.  It can help school counselors identify young people who may be at risk and set up early intervention programs to provide the greatest possibility for children to become healthy, well rounded adults.  Counselors also have a responsibility to assist with training teachers on how to provide safe environments for young people to explore life, make mistakes and take risks that will challenge them to grow as individuals.  The role of a school counselor does not stop there.  They should communicate with families and communities to help students build relationships and support systems that extend past the walls of the school.    

  

     I am truly enjoying the exploration process that we've all embarked on through our readings and discussions over the past 2 weeks and cannot wait to see what comes next! 

 

Corey,G.,& Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth. (9th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole.