MAY, 2004

Patricia Sullivan, ACSW, NASW Member & School Social Worker 

A Rare Gift: Letters from the Kids

Editor's Note: Ms. Sullivan has received “thank yous” from students she has counseled over the years. Here she shares several vignettes.

R. graduated 4 years ago.   She continues to call and write to me.   I met R. when she was 14 years old.   Her brother was shot to death when she was 12 years old.   She held him in her arms as he died.   She had been hospitalized several times, received outpatient psychiatric care and medication, but could not function in school.   She came to my office every day, but it took months before she could attend any classes.   She is graduating from a local college this year with honors. I am thankful I was given the time to work with her.   The student wrote:

“I remain ever grateful for the wonderful things you've said and done for me.   You will always serve as an inspiration for me to continue to succeed.   All the achievements I make, we make. Love, R.”

M. is a graduating Senior.   I met him three years ago when he was 14 years old and entered our high school following a six week hospital stay for attempting to jump out a window after his father beat him up for suspecting he was gay.   M. credits me for his life and success, and I am very thankful that I was given the opportunity to work with him.

“Thank you for being there for me.   Once I met you my life has changed and when I heard that they might take you away from our high school, I was very upset because I know it would be a big loss for the high school and also difficult for me to cope with.   I might have to start a rumble or protest or something but you're here and I'm so-so happy!”

L.'s best friend from childhood hung herself this past summer. She still finds it too painful to talk about this, but she meets with me weekly and talks about school-related issues, and I provide her with written materials about loss and grief.

“Thanks for the poems that you gave me, it really worked.”

V. is in the high school's accelerated program.   She referred herself to me this year, saying she cut classes in the past and wants to be more successful academically.   She reports that her father just got out of prison and she fights all the time with her mother.

“ You have been very helpful to me and I want to thank you.   You are really cool and you are great to talk to.   We need more people in the world like you.   Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

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