By Mollie Dickson

 

As a psychology major, deeply invested in people and holistic health, my senior year of college I had to make a choice: a career in counseling or education. Although I am certain that teaching was the right decision for me, there are of course still moments when I imagine myself immersed in the work that I have always referred to as “my dream”: mentoring young women who are struggling to find or reclaim their inner-strength, self-love/acceptance, and true voice; women who have been hurt and silenced by themselves and/or others; women who are suffering alone, afraid to acknowledge their own fears and truths; women who are seeking support and guidance, someone who can understand and help them to move forward in life. I want to be that someone.

 

Over the past three weeks, five bright, beautiful 7^th grade girls have approached me on separate occasions. Each one beginning with a timid, “Ms. Dickson, can I talk to you about something?” These young women have shocked me with their stories (depression, suicidal thoughts/actions, eating disorders, sexual abuse, and childhood traumas) and inspired me with their courage, facing struggles that no middle school girl (any person for that matter) should live through, and much less, live through alone. I think that is what surprised me the most: not one of these girls had spoken a word to anyone—they had yet to say these truths out loud; two had kept a burning secret for over eight years—until now.

 

The reason for each of these girls feeling compelled to confide within their teacher, I do not know for certain; but I do know how grateful I am that they found “that someone” within me. To trust. To expose their truth. To seek help. To finally move forward. Needless to say, it has made for an emotionally intense month—hours of conversations, tough questions and heartbreaking responses, tears, mandatory reporting, facing fears, meetings with counselors and parents, and still trying to stand tall in front of the class to teach 7 periods a day with the same spirit and conviction my students expect of me—quite possibly the toughest and most rewarding three weeks of my life. Rewarding because each of these girls have fought through the hardest part—acknowledging, admitting, and sharing their secret struggles—and are now on the path toward healing, awaiting a healthier, happier tomorrow.

 

These five brave girls have shown me our tremendous need to offer support and guidance for all adolescents as they journey through the questions, fears, pressures, and realities of growing up. Which is why I am beginning a weekly girls lunch group where we will have a safe place to explore tough topics, questions, and healthy outlets for our emotions. Rather than dwelling on our insecurities and hardships, we will focus on growth, moving forward, and raising awareness to offer hope and healing for others who are still suffering alone. My vision is to help these young women turn “problems” into possibilities as they move beyond surviving to thriving. Who knows, maybe we’ll even publish a book—sharing our stories to inspire and empower women around the world—in fact, I have no doubt that indeed we will. Because I have realized this: when you have a passion, a burning desire to do your “dream work”, chances are (whether seeking it out directly or it finding you) ultimately you will.