Availability



           Remember to make yourself available to your students. As time passes, allow your students to make a connection with you. Not every student is going to be your best friend, but being available for the students who need a mentor, friend, shoulder to cry on, or just an ear to listen is important. Dolgin (2011) discusses the main factors that lead to the development of a positive self-concept, which include a significant other, parents, socioeconomic status, race, gender, disabilities, and stress (p. 154-6). When one or multiple of these factors becomes a barrior for positive self-concept development, students develop low self-esteem and may make poor decisions. One of the most common reasons adolescents begin using drugs is to relieve tension or anxiety, escape problems, or to be able to deal or face those problems (Dolgin, 2011, p. 392). For students who are depressed and lost, possibly contemplating harming themselves, you could be their lifeline.

Tips

• Choose the time that you want to make yourself available for students: before/after school, lunch once a week, study hall, etc.
• Make sure this time is consistent to avoid having students come anytime during the day.
• Set a time limit.
• Take notes after talking to a student. In situations where there is abuse at home, having notes of incidents is helpful for DCFS.
• Don't judge. Your students came to you, the least you can do is listen without judgement.
• Seek advice yourself. If you ever feel unequipped to help a student, consult with your mentor, school social worker or psychologist, they are there to help you as well as the students.

Reference

Dolgin, K.G. (2011). The adolescet: Development, relationships, and culture (13thed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.