I’ve just recently finished watching the Netflix original series “Thirteen Reasons Why.” I’m not here to promote the series (it’s disturbing on many levels) or to condemn it (lots of valuable
talking points to begin conversations with the young teens in your life). My take-away from this series has more to do with the power of relationships, which (of course) is the foundation for our program.
The premise of this show is that the main female character made 13 cassette tapes for various people to listen to so they might better understand how the relationship that they had with her, contributed to the outcome.
It just further illustrates the importance of HEALTHY relationships. Plenty of people have relationships in their life, but they are not the good, quality, healthy relationships that are so vital. We have to work hard, every single day, to help people feel safe (physically, emotionally, and psychologically) so they are in a better position to establish those healthy relationships.
If our protagonist in this show had been able to rely on even ONE of these thirteen people; if even one of these relationships had been healthy, the outcome might have been very different. In one of the final episodes, she basically tells this to herself…”if even one person gives me a reason…” It was heartbreaking to see this girl feel all alone in the hallways of her school that was crammed with other students. Unfortunately, this feeling is all too common.
I don’t want to give the whole storyline away, but I also think it’s important to give some resources whenever possible, so…if YOU are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Reach out. You are not alone.
Nikki Wince – Faculty Supervisor
