Menderist contributors share how they overcame challenges and enhanced relationships with a variety of people, including family, friends, and colleagues.
Special Issues: Family Mental Health, Father’s Day, Memorable Gift, Teacher/Educator, Year in Review
A parent of children with complex physical and mental health challenges describes lessons learned in helping family navigate issues.
“Several of our children have complex issues, including chronic pain …(but) while there have been many struggles, I’ve also found many ways to nurture my children’s mental health….”
Menderist outlines frequently recommended ways to find a mental health therapist in the U.S. and Canada – and lists other options that link to a wider range of help.
“It can be challenging to find someone in your area who is accepting new clients: the demand for therapists, particularly psychiatrists, is high. For this reason, Menderist is listing both traditional mental health organizations and other sources….”
An educator who’s come through a difficult year shares the philosophy that’s helped him navigate challenges.
“Far too often I find myself driving to and from work in absolute silence, choosing to take a slightly longer route just to increase my solitude ….”
A high school teacher draws on his own life to help a student dealing with a family tragedy.
“Every teacher has a different story about why we entered education. For many teachers, the driving force ranges from ….”
The day a young student learned a memorable lesson from her teacher, about not judging people by their appearance.
“Starting middle school in a brand-new building may mean shiny lockers, spotless carpets, and flawless desks, but the internal struggles ….”
Lessons from a remarkable Grade 2/3 teacher have a lifelong impact on a research specialist and mother of six children.
“She died in 2010, but I think of her often, such as when I see a bird in the backyard or …point out plants to my children….”
Why are some students disengaged from school? A specialist teacher shares his experience in helping young students turn things around.
“Whenever s/he went to school, the student avoided social contact by sleeping in class and wearing a hoodie and Covid mask all day long…..”
A Grade 6 teacher remembers the day a girl with unique challenges arrived in her class, and how helping that student has enriched her own life.
“When I was expecting my first child, I received my student roster for the upcoming year….”
She started off in a financial career …so how did this daughter of a teacher end up in the education field, after all?
“As much I loved my dad and knew firsthand what a brilliant educator he was, when it came time for university, I wanted nothing to do with the education field….”
Achieving a sense of community in a classroom is tricky, a teacher explains, then shares a story about a lost student …and a memorable day.
“In fearing the worst, I’d be assaulted by visions of the Titanic – as if we could metaphorically veer off course, hit an iceberg, and slowly disappear….”
Sign up to be notified when new Menderist content goes live.
Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.
