Sources of Strength

Sources of Strength provides support to those who need it

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

There is plenty going on in the lives of high school students today, in school, in their homes and in the world around them. It can be a confusing time and things can seem hopeless. Sources of Strength is a group at Brainerd High School that aims to remind students there are others around who can help them handle some of life’s big things.

While the larger goal of Sources of Strength is to prevent teen suicide among high school students, advisor Jess Wales says it’s also a group that is present among students that can provide a safe place to go with their concerns such as bullying and substance abuse. Active nationwide, there are Sources of Strength chapters in all but a handful of states.

Wales is a special education teacher at Brainerd High School. Her co-advisor is agriculture sciences teacher Magnus Nelson. Students designated as peer leaders and other school staff have had training to help students. The group was supposed to get up and running last year before COVID forced the shut down of area schools. This year, they are ready.

We have kids that are into farming and FFA, kids that are active in various sports and activities, kids with disabilities, and kids who are considered high achievers.

-Jess Wales

Sources of Strength Advisor

Peer leaders are instrumental to Sources of Strength. Towards the end of last school year staff at the school nominated 50 kids to fill those roles. They were focused on including students from each group across the student body. “We have kids that are into farming and FFA, kids that are active in various sports and activities, kids with disabilities, and kids who are considered high achievers,” says Wales. “These are kids who normally might not cross paths but have an opportunity to come together with the shared goal of supporting one another. We wanted to make sure everyone is represented. There should be someone, whether it is an adult or another student in the school, for every student to turn to. We can help them identify who that person is for them.”

What are your sources of strength? definition of strengths

sourcesofstrength? family support Whether related to us by blood, or by choice, these are the people who support, nurture and care for us. positive friends Positive friends lift us up, make us laugh, are honest with us, and are there for us when we need them.

#sourcesofstrength mentors

A mentor is an experienced person who shares their insight to help guide us, and help us draw on our own strengths to be the best version of ourselves.

healthy activities When we feel stressed, healthy activities-- whether they are physical, social, or emotional-- help us unwind, lift our mood, and gain clarity.

generosity

spirituality

medical access

mental health

Generosity can look a lot of different ways, from donating money or time to being intentionally kind to other people. These acts of kindness towards others, big or small, can actually make an impact on how we feel about ourselves.

Spirituality is practiced in many ways, but at its core we consider what gives a sense of purpose and connection in our spirit. Thankfulness is a profound way to practice spirituality together, no matter what our cultural heritage and/or spiritual tradition.

When we are injured, we don’t have to stay in pain. We can get better, with access to the medical care we need and deserve. Physical and social/emotional pain are often integrated and it’s important to take care of our bodies, hearts, and minds.

Mental Health is all about getting the support we need and deserve to help us when we are struggling. Our mental health is a very important part of living a healthy life, and oftentimes, getting together with a trusted person, a counselor, or a doctor, can help empower us to overcome internal struggles we might be facing.

It’s very positive,” says Wales, of the involvement of the peer leaders. “These kids don’t become therapists or counselors. They’re not taking on those roles at all.“

Already the group is active on Instagram. Ninth grader Ericah Folgen works on the account and is a peer leader. “I like the idea of helping to stop the stigma for members. We can help them see that there are many different people that you can talk to if you need someone,” Folgen said. She says she knows a lot of students in school because she is active in sports and in the band and orchestra. “One of the things we always talk about is not using fake positivity. We don’t want to say things like, ‘you’ve got this,’ and then ignore the problems people are having or things going on in their lives. We can help them find someone who can help. We will help anyone that needs to talk about anything — whether it’s

There are so many school, friends or family. We know everything isn’t just about school,” people involved. I she said. liked that there are so Devin Knopf is a senior peer many types of students leader. He got involved because from different interests working all together. It’s a big group. he likes the idea of stopping the stigma of mental health. “There are so many people involved. I liked that there are so many -Devin Knopf Sources of Strength Senior Peer Leader types of students from different interests working all together. It’s a big group.” The Sources of Strength wheel is at the center of the group’s mission. It features eight sources students can turn to for strength. On the wheel are Mental Health, Mentors, Family Support, Physical Health, Spirituality, Generosity, Positive Friends and Healthy Activities.

Wales says one of the first things peer leaders talked about was wanting to make sure other students knew that services from Northern Pines Mental Health were available in the high school, something they didn’t think many students were aware of.

“When a student comes to school and says they had a really hard night,” says Wales, “we ask who their trusted adults are that they can talk to. A peer leader or teacher can help them identify strengths they have and might not realize. Every classroom will have a picture of the wheel visible to students so they can ask themselves, ‘who are my trusted friends? Who are my trusted peers?’”

Various campaigns will go on with the group throughout the upcoming year. Wales says most of it will happen during the school day. “Students have enough happening after school hours. We don’t want to add to that load. Making sure the wheel is visible and that students know what it means is a big focus.” Besides Instagram, Wales says soon they will start a media campaign that will add Tik Tok and other social media sources that are popular with teenagers.