Dedicated to her work within the SCHS Wellness Center, Wellness Associate Lauri Masey has found an appreciation for her connections made with students as well as those in her personal life.
“I’m grateful to be able to do the kind of work that I do,” Masey said. “I’m grateful that I just have people in my life who love me and make me feel important and cared for, and hopefully, I can give that back to them.”
Walking in her neighborhood, Masey and her friend discovered a tree with detailed patterns and scarring. The two soon visited the tree on their walk every week, making it a tradition.
“We just put our hand on the scar, and we just think about what we’re grateful for. It’s kind of like a form of prayer in a way, but I think it can be life-changing to do something that simple,” Masey said. “It really helps you focus on what’s going well in your life, what matters in your life.”
Within his classroom, special education teacher Bill Cheney noticed small yet meaningful actions from his students.
“It is when a student takes the time to put themselves out there and ask a question in class when I know they might not be comfortable,” Cheney said. “I both feel their gratitude and be very respectful of them as they give their answer to show that I am grateful.”
Library media assistant Carol Bamsch enjoys the days within the library when she meets and interacts with students. Working to start her day off with a grin, Bamsch tries to give back to the student body as much as they give to her.
“One thing I can put on is a smile, so I try to give that to students, and then in return, I get so much back because I think the students here are so amazing,” Bamsch said.
Every day, Bamsch watches as students come in and out of the library. She has witnessed an array of student mood swings and emotions. Despite any negativity she picks up on, Bamsch advises students to consider whatever they’re currently facing from another perspective.
“I see them go through ups and downs and I think, ‘You’re young and you go through emotions, and yet you’re learning now,’” Bamsh said. “You’re going through something difficult that maybe a few people will be able to understand, but then you will now be one of those people to someone else.”
Looking into her personal life, Bamsch finds inspiration from her mother-in-law, who believes in the opportunity to continue growing as a person despite age.
“We always have the opportunity to change. My mother-in-law taught me that,” Bamsch said. “She’s 98 years old, still lives on her own and I’ve seen this woman evolve, and she’s taught me you can still learn something.”
Along with Bamsch, Cheney advocates expressing outward gratitude toward those around him.
“Showing people that I’m grateful for them by doing acts of service and going out of my way to help them when I don’t need to, but showing them and saying nice things to them,” Cheney said. “Letting them know I appreciate them being in my life.”
Cheney encourages those on campus to practice gratitude in hopes of improving the community surrounding SCHS.
“Gratitude in school will spread to gratitude in the community because you get into the habit of showing gratitude,” Cheney said. “It’s an easy thing to keep doing.”