I've been here at Chrysalis for 11 years teaching the life skills program. In that time, I've seen a lot of individuals come and go and I've also seen those individuals grow by leaps and bounds. In a course like this, it's not uncommon to meet someone who doesn't have a lot of the traits we may take for granted every day. More often than not, the students I work with are not comfortable speaking in a group, maintaining eye contact when speaking or working with others. It's amazing to see, within the six weeks of the course, the changes many of our students make when they start to feel comfortable with their surrounds and feel the support the life skills class provides them. Support is not something a lot of my students are used to before they come here, which really doesn't help with their development or self confidence.

Teaching the life skills course is something that's not always easy. There are a lot of dynamics you have to deal with when working with some of our individuals. This course can be intense and challenging, but it's also very rewarding. There are a number of students who enter the life skills course who struggle with low self esteem levels, anger management problems and behavioral issues which have been compounded by the fact that they have not been given the opportunity to develop simple skills that alleviate some of these problems. While it takes some time to establish trust and connect with some of the students, once they understand that they are in a safe environment with people who have their best interests in mind the growth they experience is phenomenal.

This course does allow our students to grow as individuals and develop the skills that will help them succeed throughout the rest of their lives but they aren't the only people who are affected by the changes. I've had a number of parents contact me overjoyed with the progress their child has made thanks to the life skills course. Speaking with the parents who notice these changes is always a blessing because you get to speak with them about maintaining the levels of support their child needs in order to continue growing once the course is through. It also gives me a chance to let them know that I am always here to talk to. Whether the parents or their child has some questions or concerns they would like to discuss, I am always available to help in any way I can. Knowing there is still support for them after the course is complete is something that is very comforting to the family.

While this course is geared towards the students, I learn just as much as they do during the six weeks we are together. The relationships I have built over the last 11 years have truly been a gift. The trust, support and respect develops within the class is something that I'll never get tired of. It's inspiring to see what my students can accomplish when they are given the tools they need to succeed. The motto "Change, Growth & Opportunity" is exactly what the Life Skills Program is all about and it really rings true on graduation day when you see how far our students have come and how the skills they have developed will only help improve their lives in the future!