Viewing Struggles Through the Eyes of Mentors

This is the 2006 Turlock High varsity soccer team, and the author of our third entry on chapters 10 and 11, Brittany, is second from left in the bottom row. She said, "Coach Bishop [in the middle of the back row] was a great mentor for me during my high school years. Hence, why I chose this image." In her response to the chapters, Brittany shares some touching and insightful experiences with mentoring.

Many questions arose as I meticulously read each chapter of The Faith Club. Questions regarding my own faith, stereotypes that I hold, and whether or not I could ever fully feel comfortable starting my own faith club. I have experienced uncertainty, reassurance, anger, and joy while sitting and scanning each page of this novel. So, having gone through an emotional rollercoaster, I am now beside myself.

The topics of prayer and rituals play a significant role in many religions. Yet, I am only truly familiar with my Christian beliefs on such topics. Therefore, where else could these chapters lead us? To something beyond religion, perhaps? I searched and I found a theme that resonates in all of us, no matter what religion, ethnicity, or sex. The theme I am speaking of is struggles. We all face them, some more difficult than others, or are they? Who gets to decide? The underlying message here is that we all have different perspectives on struggles. Priscilla viewed the attacks on September 11^th with a different lens than Suzanne or Ranya. Just like many of my friends and family members carried a different perspective on the story I am about to share. What is great about these lenses and perspectives is that they are flexible. If willing, one will be able to take a glimpse into someone else’s point of view. Here is a sneak peak into one of my struggles.

Growing up, the click, clicking sound of oversized shoes making their way to a pew was a common noise. I was the child who sang “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” in my grandmother’s red high heels with knee-high stockings bunched around my ankles, while the rest of the congregation sang in harmony to old hymns. This brief Sunday morning description is just a snapshot of how I lived out my youth— a confident, determined leader.

I was fortunate to be raised by parents who practiced unconditional positive regard. Even though this reflected their parenting style, as a family we still endured numerous struggles. Life in my home environment was not always perfect. In the sixth grade, I experienced my sister’s first suicide attempt. Throughout my junior high and high school years, I was exposed to a way of life I thought only existed in the movies. Drug dealers lived in my home, personal possessions were stolen, and I was given a glimpse into the life of a drug addict. By my junior year in high school, my sister had attempted suicide four times, was addicted to opiates, and had been in and out of three rehabilitation centers. My world had been turned upside down. Instead of looking at prospective colleges or focusing on my future aspirations, I spent my time staying at home praying I was not going to have to attend my sister’s funeral. During this time, many people began to make their way into my life. With the help of coaches, relatives, and friends, I was able to see the good in my situation. What I perceived to be devastating, they looked at as a learning opportunity. With this new perspective, I became determined to make more of my life; I refused to be dependent on the use of drugs. It is due to these various lenses offered in my time of need that I am able to speak of this story.

Therefore, I believe it is pivotal as educators, parents, and friends to never assume that others do not face struggles. We need to be aware that everyone we come in contact with has faced or is currently facing a trial. By being active listeners and allowing them to view a new perspective, we may be changing their life.