In the wake of a student’s tragic suicide attempt, one dedicated teacher was inspired to remind her students just how valued they truly are. Teachers play a vital role in shaping young lives—not just academically, but emotionally as well. This is particularly true for a teacher in Colorado Springs, who found herself driven to ensure that each of her students felt appreciated after learning about one student’s harrowing experience.
Two months prior, during a parent-teacher conference, a mother shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter, a vibrant and ambitious young woman who had attempted to take her own life. This student had deleted her social media accounts and penned goodbye letters, feeling utterly alone and believing that nobody would notice if she were gone. The teacher, Rebecca Finch, was profoundly affected by this revelation and realized that the situation called for action. She asked the mother if she could write a letter to the student, expressing her admiration and care.
When the student received the letter, she was overwhelmed with emotion, telling her mom, “How could someone say such nice things about me? I didn’t think anyone would miss me if I were gone.” This moment sparked something within Finch. “It hit me hard; I was dangerously close to losing another student,” she reflected. So, she embarked on a mission to write personalized letters to each of her more than 100 students, highlighting their unique qualities and the joy they bring to her life.
In her social media posts, Finch shared pictures of the multitude of notes she crafted, each sealed in an envelope adorned with the recipient’s name and a cheerful smiley face. One note read, “I hope you know how special you are to me. You inspire me to be a better person every day.” Another stated, “I realize you aren’t told enough how amazing you are.”
With suicide being the third leading cause of death among children aged 10-14, Finch felt it crucial to act. The statistics are staggering, with suicide claiming more young lives than cancer and heart disease combined. It’s easy for adults to forget the immense pressure today’s youth face to excel and fit in, which can often lead to mental health struggles. While a note from a teacher might not solve all their problems, it can serve as a powerful reminder that they are loved and valued.
“We must remember that each person is unique,” Finch emphasized. “That’s what makes them special. Instead of trying to change it, we need to embrace it. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.”
If you want to know more about the importance of mental health and support systems, check out this resource.
In summary, Rebecca Finch’s heartfelt initiative to write personal letters to her students underscores the importance of connection and affirmation in the lives of young people. By reminding them of their unique value, she not only fosters a supportive environment but also takes a stand against the rising mental health crisis affecting children today.