By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
It has been said that the Real Talk program created for Lake Orion High School students is just as rewarding for the adult facilitators.?
In its eighth year, Real Talk is a powerful, high-energy program designed to increase participant’s personal power and self-esteem. Through guided discussions, tears, hugs and laughter, the program attempts to shift negative peer pressure to positive peer support.?
Two more sessions of Real Talk will take place on February 23 and February 25, and LOHS guidance counselor Michele Novak is looking for more adult volunteers.?
Through non-judgmental facilitation, a active listening, and tons of encouragement, Novak believes this program can help unify all segments of the student population.?
‘I am hoping it gives people the introspective view to realize they are not alone. You have to forge ahead, and you can have a bad day but not a bad life,? she said.?
It is a temporary reminder that humans are humans. Violence, teasing, depression, social oppression, racism, drug abuse, suicide, these are real things, and students delve into their own stories about their personal experiences.?
However, this program encourages and gives new perspective to rise above the problems in day to day life.?
Several previous facilitators vow to its effectiveness.?
‘In a time where we are as technologically connected as ever, it seems we are becoming more and more disconnected from one another.?’Real Talk’provides an invaluable opportunity to disconnect from the electronic world and plug in to our kids,? Orion Area Youth Assistance caseworker Amber Kish said. ‘The value of genuinely, humanly connecting with another human being, feeling heard, feeling valued, is priceless, and in my opinion,’Real’Talk’does a great job of doing all these things.?
Kish has facilitated for Real Talk twice now.?
‘I think most of us come into the experience thinking what a great services this is to the students, and it is, but it ends up being a very powerful and emotional experience as a facilitator as well.?
Waste Management Community Relations Representative Kathleen Klein has also shared in the program as a facilitator.?
She is a Master’s student in Humanistic Clinical Psychology, and says Real Talk is ‘powerful medicine.??
‘Self-awareness and understanding the power of choice is key to a healthy mental state. Anything we can do to help kids learn and know that they can manage and change what might not be healthful for themselves, amidst all the personal and peer turmoil they are experiencing, that makes for healthier kids, healthier siblings, healthier families and healthier communities.?
The program debuted in 2007 under the name LOHS Challenge Day, and in 2012 was revamped as Real Talk after a year hiatus. About 300 kids in grades nine to 12 attend each session.?
Facilitators need no prior experience. All Novak and other program coordinators ask for are positive role models that are willing to listen and guide with an open mind.?
Interested facilitators should call Novak at?248-693-5640. Donations are always welcomed.?
All facilitators will meet at 7:15 a.m. the day they signed up to volunteer where they will be given instructions. Facilitators must remain the entire day, and can expect to leave no earlier than 3 p.m. after a debriefing meeting.?
Most facilitators are eager to share their findings.?
‘I’ve learned that our students want discipline, yet they want to have a voice too,? parent and community member Gina Adams, a four-time volunteer, said. ‘I’ve also learned that our students really love this program and are extremely pumped after the day is over. It encourages them to treat everyone the same as they feel a sense of being emotionally invested in the lives of their peers.?
Several Lake Orion teachers also help facilitate the program.?
‘I think all staff should have to sit through this to get a better understanding of their students. To understand that maybe that lesson isn’t as important as you thought because now you know that this student is struggling because of issues outside of their control. It would allow staff to look at their students with a whole new mindset,? Stadium Drive Elementary teacher Eric Rutledge said.?
Walton Middle School teacher Lori Golden agrees the program is extremely important, and should continue to be offered.?
‘I was very concerned about some of the students and that provided the adults a chance to identify any students who is high-risk and may need some additional support from all of us,? Golden said. ‘I learned that there are some students who definitely needed interventions and more support when compared to others.? If these students are not identified and offered support, then we may lose them.?
Questions, or requests for additional information may also be emailed to Novak at’mnovak@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.?