As school counselors and long time educators, we decided to collaborate and write stories that would magnify some of the issues that student’s go through or might go through. We were inspired to write these stories in an attempt to be proactive and possibly prevent any of the tough emotional issues that may hamper a student with their academic learning. We also want our stories to serve as a tool for parents or educators by utilizing the guided questionnaires at the end of each book.
We have both been privileged to have worked with some very difficult cases involving; drug abuse, homelessness, physical abuse, sexual abuse, death in the family, death of a friend, suicide, self mutilation, gang involvement, domestic violence, date violence, bullying, and divorce. But we have also had the honor of being a part of many happy moments such as; graduations, birthdays, sport victories, new births, acceptance letters, an A on a report card, coming to school on a regular basis, building of strong families, resolving fears, learning to read, moving to the next reading level, the unconditional love of parents and guardians, and the resiliency in children.
We are both humbled and honored by all of those teachers, family members, friends, and especially students that gave us the opportunity to share our dream with them. This would not have been possible without all of their support and feedback. We believe whole heartedly that these books will depict our passion to continue to educate and be a positive influence in people’s lives.
The inspiration behind Times of Tension came from the experiences and stories of some of our former students. Much of those students, like Isaiah in the story, had events in their lives that changed them forever. Because of our close involvement in these students’ lives, we were able to become aware that there were a growing number of boys across this country that had become displaced to other cities or states in order to escape or be saved from life on the streets. As was the case with these students, they had all moved from predominantly urban neighborhoods in to smaller suburbs and faced a tough time assimilating to their new surroundings. Though many of them struggled with their academics and behavior, all of them persevered and went on to become stronger and well rounded young men.
The story of Isaiah came specifically from a former student that was brought to California all the way from Atlanta and was an exceptional football player. This student, who will remain anonymous, was becoming increasingly involved in the gang life back home, participating in risky and illegal behavior on a frequent basis. This student’s family members became so concerned that they sent him out to California to live with his uncle and aunt with hopes that he would shape up. I had the privilege of mentoring this student on a daily basis, and although there were many rough patches along the way, he managed to bring up his grades, make new friends, and thrive on the school football team. Though most of the students that inspired this story were not athletes, they all shared one common theme. We felt extremely compelled to tell their story in order to shine a light on a population of boys, though up against the wall, had triumphed against all odds. We believe that there is a bit of them in all of us and that we can all relate to some of their struggles and experiences. As educators, we hope that this story serves to speak to the young people in this country that feel displaced or shunned by society. Our message to them is that no matter their circumstances, that they have the potential and capability to overcome all of the struggles and obstacles in their lives.
We have both been privileged to have worked with some very difficult cases involving; drug abuse, homelessness, physical abuse, sexual abuse, death in the family, death of a friend, suicide, self mutilation, gang involvement, domestic violence, date violence, bullying, and divorce. But we have also had the honor of being a part of many happy moments such as; graduations, birthdays, sport victories, new births, acceptance letters, an A on a report card, coming to school on a regular basis, building of strong families, resolving fears, learning to read, moving to the next reading level, the unconditional love of parents and guardians, and the resiliency in children.
We are both humbled and honored by all of those teachers, family members, friends, and especially students that gave us the opportunity to share our dream with them. This would not have been possible without all of their support and feedback. We believe whole heartedly that these books will depict our passion to continue to educate and be a positive influence in people’s lives.
The inspiration behind Times of Tension came from the experiences and stories of some of our former students. Much of those students, like Isaiah in the story, had events in their lives that changed them forever. Because of our close involvement in these students’ lives, we were able to become aware that there were a growing number of boys across this country that had become displaced to other cities or states in order to escape or be saved from life on the streets. As was the case with these students, they had all moved from predominantly urban neighborhoods in to smaller suburbs and faced a tough time assimilating to their new surroundings. Though many of them struggled with their academics and behavior, all of them persevered and went on to become stronger and well rounded young men.
The story of Isaiah came specifically from a former student that was brought to California all the way from Atlanta and was an exceptional football player. This student, who will remain anonymous, was becoming increasingly involved in the gang life back home, participating in risky and illegal behavior on a frequent basis. This student’s family members became so concerned that they sent him out to California to live with his uncle and aunt with hopes that he would shape up. I had the privilege of mentoring this student on a daily basis, and although there were many rough patches along the way, he managed to bring up his grades, make new friends, and thrive on the school football team. Though most of the students that inspired this story were not athletes, they all shared one common theme. We felt extremely compelled to tell their story in order to shine a light on a population of boys, though up against the wall, had triumphed against all odds. We believe that there is a bit of them in all of us and that we can all relate to some of their struggles and experiences. As educators, we hope that this story serves to speak to the young people in this country that feel displaced or shunned by society. Our message to them is that no matter their circumstances, that they have the potential and capability to overcome all of the struggles and obstacles in their lives.