EHP FYI
Newsletter from Employee Health Promotions
May 2019
A Farewell Letter to my Students
By Alicia-Rahema Mooltrey
I will soon be embarking on my "12 countries for 12 months journey". As I thought about all the people I wanted to make sure I reached out to before leaving, I didn't initially think too much about my students. I teach freshmen and knew that I wouldn't have any of them next year, so I figured they wouldn't really notice that I was missing. But after hearing student after student say they'd come and harass me next year, and remembering all the sophomores I stay in contact with, I decided I needed to show them some recognition and love before heading out. Each student got the letter below along with a sentence or two pertaining just to them. I hope my love was made clear.
Dear Amazing Students,
Believe it or not, I really appreciated my time with you this year. You are a curious and passionate bunch who are aware of the many issues that plague the world, and want to do something about it. I feel that with focus, discipline and sustained effort no matter the challenges, you will have what you need in order to be great leaders at school and in your communities.
If there is one thing I hope you walked away with this year, it’s the fact that you matter, you are powerful and you have the ability to improve society. I hope that you recognize your greatness, that you have deep self love and confidence in yourself, that you know the only person you should compete with is you.
I also want you to remember that kindness matters. This is not a concept that society pushes on young people. The media pushes you violence, fear and division, it makes coming at each other humorous and entertaining. But we have to get into the habit of building each other up. We have to work hard to counteract all the negative imagery we see about ourselves by being kind and supportive of each other, by congratulating each other and pushing each other towards positive goals. Love each other.
Remember to take a deep breath or two or ten when you need to center yourself. Remember our affirmations and create some of your own to get you focused, grounded and through each day. You are indeed made of love, hope and joy and it is my aspiration that you let that shine through you to others. I know I haven’t been the sweetest these last few weeks as I’ve attempted to prepare you for finals, but over the course of the year I’ve tried to model compassion and understanding. I hope you recognized that. I hope it rubbed off on you.
I love each and every one of you, even the ones that came to class late or barely showed at all, even the ones whose phones I had to collect and whose language I had to check, even the ones that didn’t do any homework or I glared at for talking while I was talking, even the ones whose parents I had to text during class, and even you sleepy heads. Yes, I love you all.
I can’t explain how much I enjoyed hearing your thoughts, your ponderings, and your passion in class. You will be the ones to change things because ya’ll don’t take no mess! Thank you for your honesty, support, and flexibility. Thank you for being yourselves. There were so many days I came to school stressed about something personal, but spending time with you made me forget about it all. I appreciate your travelling advice and will do my best to not get killed, or kidnapped, or lost and will work to stay in the moment, learn new things, be open to opportunities that arise, and not stress.
Thank you for growing with me and allowing me to grow with you. I will miss you and hope to see you when you are mature and developed juniors. I send you all the love, prayers and good vibes.
- provided by the Center for Collaborative Education;
transforming schools for student success blog
Do You Know Your Benefits?
Other Resources for Your Wellness
- MAPS Community Education and Recreation classes and events are advertised in the seasonal brochure each Fall, Winter and Summer. Employees are eligible for a $10 fee reduction for a class in each brochure. Each individual must register and provide their employee email address and work site. Contact the CER office at 507-387-5501 for more information.
- READY! for Kindergarten. At the time of a requested paternity/maternity leave, an employee is entitled to two (2) years of READY! for Kindergarten Classes advertised in the seasonal Early Childhood Brochure. Registration is conducted through the Early Learning Office by calling 507-625-4620 or stopping by the Family Learning Center, 820 Hubbell in Mankato and completing the paperwork process.
- 2019 MAPS Employee and Dependent Flu Shot Clinic - August 29th 11:30-5:30 PM
- Vitals SmartShopper
- BCBS Sharecare NEW BEGINNING JULY 1ST-to replace the gym membership program.
- BCBS Doctor on Demand
- BCBS Omada
- BCBS Learn to Live
Vital Worklife Employee Assistance Program
Examples of services available:
Phone Coaching
Online Seminars
Chemical Dependency Assessment
Face to Face counseling
Legal and Financial discounts
Click HERE for a complete list of services offered by this provider.
Phone number is: 1-800-383-1908.
Website is: http://vitalworklife.com username-mankatoschools, password -member