I can say that here is south Georgia - even though we are so far from
the events - our students, now on day three, are showing signs of
suffering from trauma. Several teachers have reported students openly
bursting into tears in the middle of non-event related discussions,
students report crying for no seeming reason, students are more
distracted, can't focus, can't concentrate, reports of depression and
sleeplessness, etc....
One would think that so far from the event and with no direct ties to
people in the event, we would be able to handle this better. But at a
faculty staff meeting this afternoon, many of us noted not only student
problems, but we were also having problems.
This tragedy has touched us all more deeply than we yet realize. I thank
our administrators for being proactive in approaches to counseling,
talking, venting for everyone. We have not had any revenge events
towards our international students. In fact, we have had people go out
of their way to show care and inclusion - amazing and wonderful!
Know that we all pray for you and hold you in our hearts. Suggestions:
have counselors ready - talk, talk, talk in classes - hold prayer
sessions - have something for everyone to do to feel useful (blood
drives, volunteer activities, etc.) - pay attention to every chance for
a celebration of some kind - continue to have classes but perhaps change
the curriculum to afford students more creative ways to achieve goals in
class other than standard lecture/study/test methods - give everyone a
chance to express themselves - be supportive of everyone, all races, all
cultures, - model calm, care, and concern.
Best of luck on your return to school.
Roseanna Almaee
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